Hope Farmers’ Market each Tuesday, from 7:00-11:00 am at The HUB in downtown Hope.
Historic Washington State Park’s new free exhibit entitled “Washington, Arkansas: Celebrating 200 Years” will run until December 31, 2024. The exhibit will be in the park’s 1874 Visitor Information Center, 100 SW Morrison St., Washington.
Open House for CREATIVE ACTION TEAM SCHOOL (CATS) will be on Thursday, August 8th, from 3:00 – 6:00 P.M. Students may meet their teacher and pick up their schedules during this time. For information about CATS, please contact Sandra Rhone 870-722-2772
If you would like to schedule an appointment with the Hempstead County Equalization Board, please call Karen Smith, the Hempstead County Clerk, at 870-777-2241 on or before Thursday, August 15th.
Hope Public Schools will hold its 2024-25 school year Open House on Thursday, August 8th. Students and parents are invited to visit their campus(es) to talk with administrators, meet their teachers, and get to know their classmates. Open House is “come and go” and runs from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Any questions should be directed to the campus office during regular business hours.
Blevins School District Open House Thursday, August 8th from 5:00-7:00 pm. First day of School is Monday, August 12th.
Spring Hill School District Open House is Thursday, August 8th from 5:00-7:00 pm. 5th & 6th grade meet in the Elementary gym at 5:30 pm. 7th grade students & parents meet in cafeteria at 5:00 pm. Questions? Contact the elementary at 870-722-7420 or high school at 870-722-7430.
Prescott Elementary School Back to School Open House Thursday, August 8th from 6-8:00 pm in the PHS Auditorium.
The 48th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival is August 8-10th at Hope Fair Park.
2024 Watermelon Olympics Thursday, August 8th, 6:00 pm at Hope Fair Park. Events are 3-on-3 basketball, volleyball, Tug-a-war, closest to the hole (golf), and watermelon relay. 8-person team, 2 females minimum. Sign-up at Fair Park office. Free entry. Deadline is August 7th.
Hope Watermelon Festival Dog Show Thursday, August 8th in Hope Fair Park. Registration at 6:30 pm and show at 7:00 pm. Free entry. Best Looking Adult, Best Looking Puppy, Best Trick, and Best Costume. Hosted by City of Hope Animal Shelter & Hope for Paws. Call 870-722-2545 for details.
LifeShare Mobile Blood Drive at the Hope Watermelon Festival, Friday, August 9th, 11:00 am-4:30 pm. Primary Blood Drive Coordinator is Christy Burns. Email: hopechamberdirector@gmail.com Phone: 870-777-3640.
Watermelon Festival Softball Tournament. Entry $325 with August 2nd deadline. Contact Walker Clark, 501-772-2923, or usasoftballar@gmail.com
Curry’s Community Outreach Ministry & Harbor House Prevention will be hosting a Back-to-School Bash Friday, Aug. 9th from 4-7pm at Curry’s Community Outreach, 606 Greenlawn in Prescott. Free. Includes an educational discussion on the dangers of drugs, giveaways, Level 74 Mobile Entertainment, games, and food.
Hope Watermelon Festival Lions’ Fish Fry Friday, August 9th at the Fair Park Community Center, 4:30-7:00 pm. Tickets $15 per plate. Dine in or take out. Take out available at the 7th Street Gate next to the swimming pool. All proceeds go to benefit Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Services. Tickets at the door or from Lions’ Club members.
Watermelon Festival Cornhole Tournament Friday, August 9th at Legion Field in Fair Park at 1200 Jones Street. Starts at 6:00 pm. $20 per team to enter. Cash prizes, double elimination, set teams, bring your own bags. Register on SCOREHOLIO. For information, call 870-777-7500.
The Hope Parks and Recreation Department will host the “Watermelon Smash” Youth Softball Tournament Friday, August 9th. This is a double elimination tournament with categories for 8 and under, 10 and under, and 12 and under. Play starts at 6pm. Entry fee is $275. Deadline to enter is August 6th. For info or to register phone Glen Lee at 870-826-7090.
46th Annual Watermelon 5K Saturday, August 10th, at 7:30 am. Melon Mile at 8:30 am. Run or walk. $30 entry plus fees or $35 race day. Discounted rates for runners ages 16 & under. Melon Mile admission is $13 plus fees or $15 on race day, for ages 3-12. High school track: Boys & girls competition teams of 5 required for entry. Every athlete receives a t-shirt and Hope watermelon. Registration & info at runsignup.com/race/ar/hope/
Free Back to School Hair Cuts for Children K-12 in Hempstead and Surrounding Counties! Saturday, August 10th. 8:30 am-1:00 pm at The Hope ConneXion Outreach Center, 401 South Washington.
The Hope Evening Lions will hold their monthly food distribution Saturday May 10th at 9am at 3301 East Third in Hope. All who need food are welcome.
Hope Civitan Car Show at the 48th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival Saturday, August 10th. Pre-register by August 3rd with forms available through any active Hope Civitan member, at the Hope Chamber of Commerce, or online at www.hopemelonfest.com. On-site registration will be open from 8:00 am to 11:00 am on the day of the show. Entry Fee: $25 for the first vehicle and $20 for the second vehicle Categories: Best Paint, Best Engine, Best of Show Car, and Best of Show Truck. There will be multiple classes within each category. Awards will be given to the Top 3 in each class, and the first 50 cars to register will receive dash plaques and goodie bags. The event will also feature a 50/50 pot and door prizes starting at 10:00 am. For more information, please contact the Hope Civitan Club at PO Box 2340, Hope, AR 71802, Amber Mackey at (870) 397-3809, or via email at hopecivitanclub@gmail.com. You can also reach out to the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce at (870) 777-3640 or visit www.hopemelonfest.com.
2024 Watermelon Festival Fishing Derby at Huckabee Lake in Hope Fair Park, Saturday, August 10th. Registration at 8:30 am, fishing from 9:00-11:00 am. Free entry. For ages 15 and under. Prizes every 30 minutes. Grand prize for overall weight. For information, call 870-777-7500.
Hope Piranhas Swim Team will be hosting this year’s annual DUCK RACE, during the Watermelon Festival, Saturday, August 10th at 10 am in the Hope Fair Park Pool. 2 ducks for $5. Winner is first duck across the finish line. Ducks can be purchased at Hourglass Aesthetics Medical Spa, 1100 South Main Street in Hope or contact any Hope Piranha swimmer; text 870-703-7449. Cashapp: $hopepiranhaswimteam Come join the fun & stick around for our swimming exhibition following the duck races!
Hope Watermelon Festival Junior Watermelon Olympics is Saturday, August 10th, 10:00 am at Kidz Zone at Hope Fair Park. Individual participants ages 6-12. Contact the Chamber of Commerce for more information at 870-777-3640, or hopemelonfest@yahoo.com
LifeShare Mobile Blood Drive at the Hope Watermelon Festival, Saturday, August 10th, 11:30 am-4:30 pm. Primary Blood Drive Coordinator is Christy Burns. Email: hopechamberdirector@gmail.com Phone: 870-777-3640.
Hope Watermelon Festival Watermelon Idol Saturday, August 10th. Preliminaries at 3:00 pm at the Farmers Bank & Trust Stage. Trophies and cash prizes for 1st-3rd place. Winner to perform Saturday before headliner Rodney Atkins on the CMC Stage (ticket needed.) www.hopemelonfest.com for rules and registration. 870-777-3640 for information.
Rodney Atkins will headline the Hope Watermelon Festival concert Saturday, August 10th. Tickets are available for purchase at hopemelonfest.com or the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce office, 201 South Main in downtown Hope.
1st Annual Watermelon Soccer Tournament August 10-11 at the Soccer Complex. Entry is $250 per team. Youth and adults. T-shirts, watermelons, cash. Information and registration contact Edmundo Dominguez at 870-826-1097. Deadline to enter is August 2nd.
HCW presents Back to School Bash Saturday, August 10th, Bell time is 6:00 pm. VIP $15; general admission $10, 12 and under free per paid adult. School supplies drive, Project Graduation. 856 West 1st Street South, Prescott. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Contact 870-602-1513 for questions.
New Student Orientation is designed to prepare new, first-time UAHT students for the college experience by reviewing academic expectations, financial aid, and student account information. During orientation, students can get their student ID card, pick up their UAHT parking sticker, and learn about valuable resources to help them succeed in college. Monday, August 12th, 5:30pm – 8:30 pm and Tuesday, August 13th, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon. All new incoming UAHT students are encouraged to participate in New Student Orientation. Students can register for orientation by submitting the registration form using the link below. For more information or to register for New Student Orientation via phone, contact the UAHT Enrollment Office at 870-722-8174 or email admissions@uaht.edu. Fall registration remains open until August 23, and classes begin on August 21. To apply, visit https://www.uaht.edu/
Mediterranean Cooking School class will be held at Southwest Research and Extension Center, 362 Hwy 174N, Hope, August 15th at 2:00 pm or August 19th at 5:00 pm. The course is the same for both classes. The cost to register is $10.00 and individuals need to preregister by August 9th. Class is being conducted and sponsored by Hempstead County Extension Health Ambassadors. The Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits, emphasizing fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats. Our course goes beyond just recipes, offering a comprehensive learning experience that includes: In-Depth Nutritional Information: Understand the science behind the Mediterranean diet and its proven health benefits, Cooking Techniques and Tips: Learn how to prepare classic Mediterranean dishes with ease and confidence, Cultural Insights: Discover the culinary traditions and cultural significance behind the Mediterranean diet, Hands-On Learning: Engage in practical cooking sessions, guided by expert chefs, to master Mediterranean cuisine. Participants will have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of dishes, from Greek salads and Italian pasta to Spanish tapas and Middle Eastern mezze. This course is tailored to enhance your culinary skills and deepen your appreciation for Mediterranean food culture. For more information and to register, visit [Your Website] or contact us at Hempstead County office 1800 East 3rd St. Hope, AR 71801, 870-777-5771.
The UAMS mammogram van will be in Prescott Thursday, August 15th at 8:30 am at the Nevada County Health Unit. By appointment only. Call UAMS at 800-259-8794 to schedule. If you do not have insurance, there are assistance programs available. Women ago 40 and over that are due for a mammogram are urged to schedule an appointment.
Prescott School District PreK Open House Thursday, August 15th at 6:00 pm at the PreK PE Center.
Yard Sale Day brought to you by Hempstead Hall is August 16-17, 9:00 am-5:00 pm at 2500 South Main in Hope. 10×10 booths are $10 for one day or $15 for both days. Indoor tables provided. Booths must be reserved by August 14th. To reserve or for more information, call 870-722-8565. Indoors with AC and concessions. Admission is free and open to the public.
Guernsey Baptist Church monthly singing Friday, August 16th starting at 6:00 pm. There will be a potluck supper.
Music in the Park free concert with Bobby Horton at Historic Washington State Park Saturday, August 17th. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. Concerts begin at 7:30 pm, and the gift shop will be open for refreshments until 8:30 pm. Bobby Horton is one of the moral popular names in 19th century era music. He has produced over ten different albums showcasing songs of soldiers from both the North and South during the Civil War along with songs of Stephen Foster and hymns of the 19th century. He has been involved in performing for musical scores for many of Ken Burn’s PBS documentaries including: The Civil War, Baseball, Lewis and Clark, and National Parks. He also has worked on musical scores for A&E Network and twenty-one films for the National Park Service. Learn more at https://bobbyhorton.com/.
The Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Fulton have a benefit program for Sister Severa Davis at Antioch Baptist Church at 7999 Highway 332 East in the DeAnn community near Hope. The program is set for August 17th at 6:00 pm. A love offering will be taken for Sister Davis. The public is cordially invited. For info contact Pastor Jessie Henry at 870-703-8994 or 870-896.2581. You may also contact Deacon Jimmy Smith at 870-359-5820.
Living Hope Disability Fellowship Meeting will be held Monday, August 19th, at 6:30 pm at the Fair Park Community Center in Hope. For more info: Contact: Jermaine Moore, 870-904-0763.
The Hempstead County Fair is coming up and those who want to register for the arts and crafts, photography, horticulture, canning, baked goods or flower show need to do so soon as the deadline is August 20th. Registration must be done online at http://hempstead.fairwire.com.
The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana Community Education Division will hold a Line Dancing Course with Ticia Clements, the Texarkana Line Dancers Instructor. The class will be held in the Technical and Industrial Building, Room 160, on the Hope campus. August 20th from 6 to 7:00 pm. The cost of the course is $5 per person. No experience or registration is needed. For more information, contact Racie Poindexter at racie.poindexter@uaht.edu or 870-722-8568.
The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana Community Education Department will hold an Axe Throwing course on August 27th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the UA Hope campus. No experience is required, and all ages are welcome to participate. The cost of the course is $15 per person. Space is limited, so register today. Don’t miss out on experiencing a unique evening of fun with your family or loved ones. For more information or to register, contact Racie Poindexter at 870-722-8568 or racie.poindexter@uaht.edu.
Old Washington Farmer’s Market will host an official watermelon weigh-off site for the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth in Washington, Saturday, August 31st. 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 — $600, Second Place, — $400, Third Place — $300. 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, 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 11 am. 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.
A benefit for Sister Lexius Winfrey will be held August 31st at 6pm at St. Matthew Baptist Church at 205 West 6th Avenue in Foreman, sponsored by the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Fulton. A love offering will be taken for Sister Winfrey. The public is cordially invited. For info contact Pastor Jessie Henry at 870-703-8994 or 870-896.2581. You may also contact Deacon Jimmy Smith at 870-359-5820.
The Nevada County Fair Parade will be held on Monday, September 9th at 6 pm starting at the Prescott City Hall and ending at Central Baptist Church.
2nd Annual Taste of Hope Saturday, October 5th, 5:00-8:00 pm in downtown Hope, spotlighting local eateries in the community, sponsored by Hope Downtown Network.
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.
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.
The Hope Housing Authority is closing the waiting list for Section 8 until further notice.
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.
Anyone that has family members at the Ayer’s Cemetery is reminded they need donations to keep up the cemetery. If you would like to help, send your donation to Eva Morehead, 1440 Nevada 5, Rosston, AR 71858.
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.
The Hope Housing Authority Board meets monthly on the Third Thursday of the month at noon. The meetings are currently virtual. If you’d like to watch the meeting or take part, call the Housing Authority at 777-5742 for the virtual information.