McClarty scheduled for Bicentennial celebration Saturday
By submitted, 12/11/18 10:02 AM
HOPE – The Hempstead County Bicentennial Celebration will take place on December 15, which is the birthdate of the founding of the county on December 15, 1818.
Beginning at 10am, the public is invited to attend a morning event, at Hempstead Hall on the University of Arkansas-Hope campus. County officials past, present, and future will be recognized along with a brief history of Hempstead County. Special video interviews from President Bill Clinton and Governor Mike Huckabee will be shown at the event congratulating Hempstead County on its 200th birthday celebration. The event will conclude with a panel discussion from different special guests that grew up in Hempstead County and have gone on to do different jobs throughout the state, country, and world. Special guests will include — Mack McLarty, who served as Chief of Staff for President Bill Clinton; Judge Lavenski R. Smith, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit; Little Rock attorney Joe Purvis; and Ellen Turner, a professor at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville.
Following the morning event, will be a parade beginning at 1 pm from the current courthouse through downtown Hope to the future courthouse. To register and enter the parade, contact Ben Brazzel at 870-777-6772.
Following the parade, music, vendors, and games will take place around the future courthouse, Farmers Bank and Trust building in downtown Hope from 2pm –7pm. Events will climax with official cake cutting and fireworks at 6pm. Local businesses, industries and civic organizations are invited to showcase their companies or clubs during the celebration., with a game or information booth. Food vendors are also encouraged to participate. Booth space is available. For more information, contact the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce.
The Hempstead County Bicentennial Committee seeks to promote events and celebrations around this significant year for Hempstead County. For more information and updates concerning the Hempstead County Bicentennial visit www.Hempstead200.com or email Hempstead200@gmail.com. On Facebook visit “@Hempstead200”.
