Hempstead County Shop and Waste Department will be closed Monday, June 22nd, in observance of Juneteenth. Trash route for Hempstead County residents scheduled for Monday, June 22nd, and Tuesday, June 23rd will be collected on Tuesday, June 23rd. Please have it out by 7:00 am.
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City of Hope Arkansas Parks & Rec offering swim lessons Jun 22-25 at Hope Municipal Pool. $30. Two sessions daily, 10:15-10:45 am and 11:00-11:30 am. Spaces are limited. Register at the Fair Park office or call 870-777-7500.
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The HWL office will be closed Monday, June 22nd from 11:50 am-1:20 pm for an employee event and on Thursday, June 25th from 11:25am-1:05pm for an employee meeting. Personnel will be available for water, electric, or internet emergencies at 870-777-3000. If you need to make a payment, you can use the kiosk located inside the first set of double doors, mail your payment to P.O. Box 2020, Hope, AR 71802, pay through Smarthub with one of your electronic devices, or call 870-777-3000 to pay over the telephone.
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Vacation Bible School at Unity Baptist Church in Hope June 22-26, 8:30 am-noon. Theme is Rainforest Falls, Exploring the Nature of God. Completed Grade K through 6th grade.
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The HWL Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd at 7:30 am. The meeting will be held at the HWL office in the conference room. The doors will open at 7:00 am.
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A reception honoring Charlotte Bradley will be held Tuesday, June 23rd from 11:00 am-1:00 pm at the Hope Water & Light office, 105 North Elm. Ms. Bradley is retiring after 37 years of service.
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Kids Day Camp Tuesday, June 23rd, at Hope First Assembly, 322 North Main Street. Free. Lessons, crafts, worship, games, water games, bouncy house. A day of faith, fun & friends for kids ages 5-13.
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Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Community Coffee, Wednesday, June 24th, 9:30-11:00 am, at the First National Bank of Tom Bean, 201 North Hervey.
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“Kids Summer Fun Days” will be held every Wednesday at 5pm during June and July at Dr. Roscoe Smith Northside Park in Hope. The public is invited.
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Old Fashioned Night is set for Wednesday June 24th at Dr. Roscoe Smith Northside Park in Hope. Events start at 3pm. There will be music, fun, and something for the young and young at heart. The event is sponsored by the Henry C. Yerger Alumni and the public is invited.
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“Founding a Nation: America 250” poster exhibit will open June 25 at the Nevada County Courthouse, 215 E. 2nd Street, in Prescott, and will be open to the public during normal courthouse hours.
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The HWL office will be closed Thursday, June 25th from 11:25am-1:05pm for an employee meeting. Personnel will be available for water, electric, or internet emergencies at 870-777-3000. If you need to make a payment, you can use the kiosk located inside the first set of double doors, mail your payment to P.O. Box 2020, Hope, AR 71802, pay through Smarthub with one of your electronic devices, or call 870-777-3000 to pay over the telephone.
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Hope Downtown Network and the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council are inviting young artists to gather for a Chalk the Walk Contest, scheduled for Thursday, June 25th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm in Downtown Hope. The theme, “Summertime Fun” encourages participants to transform downtown sidewalks into colorful works of art celebrating the joys of summer. From beach balls and sunshine to ice cream cones and outdoor adventures, young artists are encouraged to let their imaginations shine. The contest is open to children ages 5-13 and will be divided into age groups with designated drawing locations throughout downtown: Ages 5-7: Elm Street Sidewalks (between 2nd and Division Street) Ages 8-10: Main Street Sidewalks (between 3rd Street and Division Street) Ages 11-13: 2nd Street Sidewalks (between Elm Street and Walnut Street). Participants should register by emailing participant name(s) and age(s) to hdnassociate@gmail.com. Additional event details will be provided in a reply email. The Chalk the Walk Contest is a part of an exciting afternoon in downtown Hope leading up to the June 25th Summer Sounds Downtown evening concert, giving families another opportunity to enjoy art and community engagement in the heart of the city.
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Checkpoints to Jesus Thursday-Saturday June 25-27 at 7:00 pm (Nightly Vibes,) and Sunday, June 28th at 11:30 am (The Finale) at New Testament House of Prayer of Hope, 306 North Ferguson. Calling all youth! Don’t miss your turn. It’s time for a change of pace and a change of heart.
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LifeShare Mobile Blood Drive Friday, June 26th, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Rainbow of Challenges, 500 South Main Street. Primary Blood Drive Coordinator is Ciji Conway. Email: ciji.conway@roc-oh.org Phone: 870-777-4501.
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Hope Methodist Church Fish Fry Friday, June 26th. Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday with proceeds benefitting HMC Outreach Committee to support community projects. $15. Plate includes 3 pieces of fish, French fries, hushpuppies, pinto beans, coleslaw, tartar sauce and drink. Dine in or drive thru. 4:00 pm-7:00 pm. If you need tickets come see Kimberly at the Chamber or call Cathryn Looney at 979-229-7899.
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Make plans to attend “Independence Slay”, a fundraising “who-done-it” set for Saturday, June 27th at 5 pm at the Falcon Hub, 3780 Highway 53 Buckner….There are $50 participant tickets and $40 spectator tickets. Tickets are available through June 21st on the Falcon Hub Facebook Page. Dinner is included in the ticket price. Proceeds benefit Friends of Lower Nevada County Arkansas Inc. which is a local 501c3 nonprofit that serves citizens of Lower Nevada County. Info at 870-210-2670.
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The Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Fulton will sponsor a benefit program for Pastor Steve Jackson. The benefit will be held Saturday, June 27th at 6pm at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 5803 Mount Olive Drive in Texarkana, Arkansas. Choirs and soloists are invited to render an “a” and “b” selection. The public is invited. For info phone Pastor Jessie Henry at 870-896-2581 or 870-703-8994. You can also call Deacon Jimmy Smith at 870-359-5820.
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The Kinsmen will be with Union Baptist Church in Bodcaw on Sunday, June 28th. The service will begin at 11:00.
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The Kinsmen will be with Bethany Baptist Church in Spring Hill Sunday, June 28th at 6:00 pm.
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Central Baptist Church Prescott, Central Kids is excited to invite you to SAVE THE DATE for their 2026 Vacation Bible School: Illumination Station! The three-night VBS will start on Sunday, June 28th and end Tuesday, June 30th. Registration begins Sunday at 5:30 pm and VBS will run from 6 to 8 each night. VBS is open to children 3 years old to students going into 6th grade.
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Measure of Grace in concert Sunday, June 28th at 6:00 pm, at Unity Baptist Church, 402 South Hervey in Hope.
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LifeShare Mobile Blood Drive Monday, June 29th, 11:30 am – 5:00 pm at Tyson Foods – Hope, 275 County Road 278 (Oakhaven.) Primary Blood Drive Coordinator is Pam Brown. Email: pamela.brown@tyson.com Phone: 870-777-7311.
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4th of July Fireworks Celebration at The Springs of Hillcrest, 1421 West 2nd Street North in Prescott, Wednesday, July 1st at dark. Fireworks, community, fun, patriotism! Celebrate with residents, families, staff, and friends.
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City of Prescott Fireworks Show Thursday, July 2nd at dark at the Prescott High School Football Stadium.
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Hempstead County Courthouse will be closed Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day. Hempstead County Road and Waste Department will be closed Monday, July 6th in observance of Independence Day. Trash route for Hempstead County residents scheduled for both Monday, July 6th and Tuesday, July 7th will be collected on Tuesday, July 7th. Please have all trash out by 7:00 am.
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Hope Downtown Network (HDN) is inviting the community to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a day of shopping, family fun, patriotic spirit, and downtown excitement during the Fun Friday Super Sidewalk Sale on Friday, July 3, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in Historic Downtown Hope. Downtown businesses will take part in a festive sidewalk sale or in-door sale featuring special promotions, summer merchandise, and opportunities to taste a bit of delicious lemonade while celebrating this historic milestone in our nation’s history. Adding to the fun will be a Children’s Sidewalk Parade, beginning at 10:30 AM, where young patriots can show off their red, white, and blue spirit while marching through downtown with flags and noisemakers. Children’s Sidewalk Parade Details • Gather: The HUB no later than 10:20 AM • Parade Begins: 10:30 AM • Attire: All things red, white, and blue • Bring: Flags, party horns, kazoos, tambourines, and other festive noisemakers • Ages: Newborn through 12 years old • Important: All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian • Allowed: Strollers and small wagons • Not Allowed: Bicycles, tricycles, or battery-operated ride-on vehicles • Route: Downtown sidewalks along Elm, Division, Main, 2nd, and Walnut Streets • Finish: Participants will return to The HUB. Families wishing to participate in the parade should email hdnassociate@gmail.com and include the names and ages of participants. All registered children will be entered into a drawing to select the Parade Grand Marshal. The event is free and open to the public.
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The Blevins and De Ann Volunteer Fire Departments will hold a celebration for America’s 250th anniversary Friday, July 3rd starting at 6 pm. There will be a fire truck display, food and drinks, music, family fun, and a patriotic tribute to America. At dark there will be a fireworks display. This will take place at the Blevins Elementary School and the public is invited.
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Historic Washington State Park annual summer concert series Music in the Park with the theme “Celebrating America.” Free concerts will be held in June, July, and August on the 1874 Courthouse lawn. This year America celebrates 250 years since the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Listen to mixtures of Americana music over the years from the 19th century to the present. 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 pm. Saturday, July 3—Stewart Family: The Stewart Family is a family band from Many, Louisiana that plays a variety of American and bluegrass music. Come and enjoy as they take you through several favorites of Americana string music. This evening will be part of entire weekend of American 250 celebrations at the park. In addition, we will host a competition allowing musicians and soloists to compose and perform their own original work with some aspect of “America” and its 250 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 August 1, 2026.
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Sparks Fly in July Firework Show Saturday, July 4th, at Hope Municipal Airport. Free entry. Gates open at 5:00 pm. Live music, food trucks, inflatables. Sponsored by Hope Tourism Commission. For more information, call the Fair Park office at 870-777-7500.
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Sarepta Shed Revival July 5th-8th at 8:00 pm. Special music each night.
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Registration is underway for Summer II and fall classes at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT). Summer II classes begin July 6, providing students with an excellent opportunity to earn college credit, stay on track for graduation, or get a head start on fall coursework. To learn more about the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, visit uaht.edu.
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Hope Downtown Network (HDN), in partnership with the Klipsch Museum of Audio History, is excited to announce the lineup for Summer Sounds Downtown, a free outdoor concert series set to bring music, energy, and community spirit to historic downtown Hope. Taking place on the 4th Thursday nights in May, June, and July from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, the concerts will be held at The HUB in downtown Hope. 2026 Summer Sounds Downtown Lineup: June 25 – Hazy Jayne, July 23 – Trey Johnson & Friends. Each month will feature a unique musical style, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for attendees of all ages. COVIE offers faith-based music that will uplift and bless all in attendance. Attendees are encouraged to come early and enjoy downtown shopping and dining before music begins. A local favorite, Sweet Escape will be onsite each night, selling cool drinks and more that will only add a fun and flavorful touch to the evening. For more information, follow Hope Downtown Network and Klipsch Museum Visitor Center on social media. For sponsorship opportunities, email Beckie Moore at hdnassociate@gmail.com or Ginny Sanders at ginny@klipschmuseum.org.
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Fred Thomas Day is set for July 10th in Prescott It will be a day of mental wellness, legacy, healing, and connection. The main location will be Munn’s Chapel First Baptist Church’s Life Center at 1017 Moncrief Street in Prescott. The opening ceremony starts at 9am followed by a community mental wellness fair, a community lunch, mental health breakout sessions, “open mic”, memory sharing, slideshow, mindful fun & fellowship, Legacy Parade at 6pm, and at 7pm, unveiling Fred Thomas Drive. The public is invited.
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STEAM Saturdays: Circuits hands-on program has been moved to the Nevada County Depot Museum, 403 W. 1st Street S. at 3 pm Saturday, July 18th. This event is free but requires pre-registration. STEAM Saturdays are free unless otherwise noted. All materials are provided. For updates, registration, or additional program details, visit TheDepotMuseum.org or find us on Facebook.
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In His Steps Vacation Bible School July 19-23 from 6-8 pm at Victory Baptist Church, 1/2 mile past the soccer fields on Spring Hill Road in Hope. For a ride or info: 870-397-1986.
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Grant Announcement Celebration Tuesday, July 21st, 6:00 pm, at HeBrews 11:1 Coffee Shop, 121 South Main,
Hope. It is our joy to invite you and your family to join us for a very special evening as we celebrate the remarkable students who applied for this year’s scholarship opportunity and announce our scholarship recipients.
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Miss & Mister Hope Watermelon Pageant Tuesday, August 4th at 6:00 pm at Klipsch Auditorium, 206 West Avenue A in Hope. This pageant is for girls and boys 0-18 years of age, with boys and girls divisions. A fun, casual event to promote the Hope Watermelon Festival, contestants will wear the 2026 Hope Watermelon Festival available for purchase from the Hope Chamber of Commerce. Applications are available for pick up at Rae-Tay’s, The Little Things Boutique, Vintage Girls Boutique or online at: https://docs.google.com/…/1GZjRwUiDGZfQPZY8QrtkuqfBAVao… Deadline for entry is July 22.
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Washington Vintage Dance group will be demonstrating Mid-19th century dances in front of the Park Coliseum at the Watermelon Festival in Hope, Friday, August 7th, 6:00-7:00 pm.
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STEAM Saturdays: Wild about Weather has been moved to the Nevada County Depot Museum, 403 W. 1st Street S. at 1 pm, Saturday, August 15th. This event is free but requires pre-registration. STEAM Saturdays are free unless otherwise noted. All materials are provided. For updates, registration, or additional program details, visit TheDepotMuseum.org or find us on Facebook.
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Historic Washington State Park announces the annual summer concert series Music in the Park with the theme “Celebrating America.” Free concerts will be held in June, July, and August on the 1874 Courthouse lawn. This year America celebrates 250 years since the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Listen to mixtures of Americana music over the years from the 19th century to the present. 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 pm. Saturday, August 15—McWilliams Family and Music Competition. McWilliams Family Band is a local family from Southwest Arkansas that plays a mixture of Americana folk and bluegrass music. They have entertained neighbors and friends alike at church gatherings and community events. They also run the Gap Mercantile Store in Caddo Gap, Arkansas. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/gapmercantile/. In addition, we will host a competition allowing musicians and soloists to compose and perform their own original work with some aspect of “America” and its 250 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 August 1, 2026.
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Pastor & Wife 6th Anniversary Celebration August 15th at 6:00 pm and August 15th at 3:00 pm, at New Testament House of Prayer of Hope, 306 North Ferguson Street. This year’s theme is “On Assignment.” Saturday night will feature special guest Lowell Pye. On Sunday, the celebration of Pastor Chris and Sister Lola’s 6th anniversary.
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If you are still growing watermelons save one for Labor Day weekend! On Saturday, September 5, the Old Washington Farmer’s Market will host an official watermelon weigh-off site for the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth in Washington. The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth provides official venues for growers to weigh several varieties of fruit and vegetables, including watermelons, across the country. They then give prizes for the largest weighed item of its type across the country. This official weigh off event will be for watermelons ONLY. Prizes will be given out for the top three largest watermelons. First Place – $800, Second Place, — $600, and Third Place — $500. A Youth category will also be included for watermelon growers that are 14 years of age and younger. Prizes for youth are as follows: First Place — $100, Second Place — $75, and Third Place — $50. Only one official entry will be considered per farmer or team. Preregistration is not required for the event. The official weigh-off will begin around 11am. The event will take place behind the City Hall of Washington, Arkansas across the street from Williams’ Tavern Restaurant of Historic Washington State Park. For more information on the weigh-off contact Josh Williams at 870-703-8256 or at joshuawilliams14@hotmail.com.
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Arkansas Rocks exhibit has been rescheduled to September 10 at the Nevada County Depot Museum and will be open as a permanent exhibit afterwards.
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The cemetery in Saratoga, Arkansas is maintained solely through donations. If you would like to help, please send your donations to: Saratoga Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 114, Saratoga, Arkansas 71859.
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The Bright Star Cemetery on Highway 73 West is in need of additional money in order to keep the historical cemetery in the shape it deserves. Contributions may be sent to Mary McPherson, 1121 Highway 73 West, Washington 71862 or Chester McRoy, 505 Highway 73 West, Hope, Arkansas 71801.
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White Oak Grove Cemetery is needing donations for upkeep. Persons with loved one buried there can address their donations c/o White Oak Grove Baptist Church, 314 Highway 332, Hope, AR 71801.
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The Hope Housing Authority is closing the waiting list for Section 8 until further notice.
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Providence-Azar Cemetery in Nevada is needing donations for upkeep. Persons with loved ones buried there can address their donations to Providence-Azar Cemetery Committee, P.O. Box 910, Hope, AR 71802. Contact Phillip McKinney Committee President for further information 870-675-1936
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Huckabee Cemetery is asking for donations for maintenance of the cemetery. Donations may be sent to Todd Martin, 578 Highway 32 East, Hope, AR. 71801.
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Anyone that has family members at the Ayer’s Cemetery is reminded the cemetery is in need of donations for upkeep. If you’d like to help, send donations to Eva Morehead, 1440 Nevada 5, Rosston, 71858.
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To everyone that has family, friends or their own plots picked out in Westmoreland Cemetery, we are struggling at this time to maintain operating capital at a level to keep up the cemetery. As most know we operate this community cemetery on donations made during the year. Donations are not keeping up with our biggest expense which is mowing. So, I’m passing the hat at this time and ask everyone that reads this to share it on their family, friends and let’s see if we can get some help. Thanks to everyone that has helped this year and in the past. James Larry Kaufman, 1147 Hwy 195 S., Washington, AR. 71862, 870-722-6959.