Music in the park celebrating Washington’s Bicentennial

WASHINGTON — Historic Washington State Park announces the annual summer concert series Music in the Park with the theme “Celebrating Washington for 200 Years”. Free concerts will be held in June, July, and August on the 1874 Courthouse lawn.

The community of Washington, Arkansas was founded in 1824 and is celebrating its 200th birthday this year. Join the community as they did in the past to enjoy evenings of great musical entertainment at Historic Washington State Park.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., and the gift shop will be open for refreshments until 8:30 p.m.

Along with the performance of the Hempstead County Melody Boys on July 20, the park will host a competition allowing musicians and soloists to compose and perform their own original work that includes some aspect of Washington, Arkansas and its 200 year history as the topic. Area judges will award prizes at the end of the evening for 1st place–$500, 2nd place– $300, and 3rd place — $200.  Applications for the contest can be received by calling the Park Visitor Center at 870-983-2684. Applications to perform must be postmarked by July 3, 2024. Learn more and apply for the music contest at https://bit.ly/HWSPMusicinthePark2024.

Event is supported in part by City of Washington Tourism, Lagrone Williams Hardware, McDonalds of Hope, Tyson Foods, Farmers Bank and Trust, Washington Grace Cottage, Historic Washington Foundation, and Historic Washington State Park.