Watermelon Festival success, a humdinger

Over 2000 people attended the Tracy Byrd concert based on the most recent figures from  the University of Arkansas Assistant to the Chancellor for Institutional Advancement Dolly Henley.

Henley said tickets taken at the gate equaled 2,179. The total count including, park staff, stage crew, security, volunteers etc., equaled 2,430 people, according to  Mrs. Henley.
It seemed  excitement was still in the air following the Hope Watermelon Festival and Tracy Byrd concert also from some vendors that participated and many others associated.

Festival vendor and local sno-cone stand on Third and S.Hervey operator, Kenneth Paddie operated a sno-cone stand all three days of the festival.
“I was president of the chamber the second year we revived the festival, I think the concert added a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for the entire community and statewide,” Paddie said. Paddie was referring to the revival of the festival in the 70’s with Pod Rogers and Bob Schaff.

Paddie went back to his normal place of business on Sunday and said watermelon sales were still booming.
“I have never seen as many people wanting watermelons in the town on Sunday. The trailer next to my stand sold out, as did a few others,” Paddie said.

Paddie said he felt there was a lot more interest this year.
“There was a world of people in attendance. I think the crowd was bigger all three days,” he said.

Dale Glanton helped operate the Band Boosters concession area.
“I think all in all it was a good festival. I think for sure Saturday was we had a bigger crowd than last year. I think the entertainment they had contributed to that,” Glanton said.

 The Band Boosters also took donations for chances to win a Henry 22 Rifle at the festival which was also a success for the booster club. Glanton said the rifle was donated Boll Weevil Pawn and was awarded to local veterinarian Damian Stroderd.

“Thank you to all our sponsors,” Glanton added.
Bobby Manor, manager of Big Jakes in Hope also set up for the third year.
“It was awesome, “ Manor said.
He agreed that bringing the big name entertainment in helped business pick up for the festival.

 “ I think that was the deal. Thursday was kind of slow. Friday was not so good, but Saturday was great. From hearing the vendor talk, everyone rocked on Saturday,” Manor said.
 Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Director Mark Keith commented on the aftermath.

 “Everybody seemed to think it was bigger. We were up about ten vendors this year, The weather was really excellent. There are so many good things I can say about how came off,” Keith said.
 Keith added that Governor Mike Beebe, who competed in the Politically Correct Watermelon eating contest said Hope had the coldest and sweetest watermelons. He had heard one figure that 750 people attended the lawn mower races.

He said the Chamber of Commerce would like to continue with bringing in big name concerts in the future.
Mrs. Henley also spoke positively about the concert.
  “Personally I am very pleased with the overall concert. Everything works out better when groups work together with a common goal. That is exactly what happened with the Chamber of Commerce, the UACCH Foundation, and the Hope Tourism Commission,” she said.

Hope Parks and Tourism Director Paul Henley said the event turned out as expected.
 “I think it turned out as we had planned all along. I know it did put some excitement back into the festival,” Henley said. He said putting on the event meant a lot of extra time and work for park staff, security and others involved.

 He said there were some problems with traffic where the road had to be blocked off at the Park Office and behind the stage.
 He said that was anticipated and he would like to see that improve in the future.
 “Hats off to Dolly Henley and the UACCH Foundation. Everyone was very helpful this year,”  Keith said. He said it would not have been possible with out their help and many others.

Stephanie Harris-Smith