Weekly Announcements

Bobcaw Baptist Church Revival services July 13-15 at 7:00 pm. Evangelist is Jimmy Walker. Bruce Porter is pastor.

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Revival services at Old Liberty Community Church, 120 Hempstead 10, Fulton, (off Highway 195 near Cross Roads) July 13-17th at 7:00 pm. Speaker is Bro. Kenneth Bobo. Join them with Friday’s Homecoming service for all new and old members, with refreshments following the service. For information, contact Bro. Lane Garner at 870-703-2301.

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Cablelynx-Hope Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Community Coffee Wednesday, July 15th, 9:30 am-11:00 am at 506 South Walnut.

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LifeShare Mobile Blood Drive Thursday, July 16th, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at Walmart – Hope. Primary Blood Drive Coordinator is  Diane Crow. Email: dmcrow.s01065@stores.us.wal-mart.com Phone: 870-777-5500.

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The monthly singing at Guernsey Baptist Church is Friday, July 17th at 6:00 pm. There will be a potluck supper.

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Commissioner of State Lands Tommy Land announced the upcoming auction of tax-delinquent parcels located in Clark, Dallas, Nevada and Ouachita Counties on July 16th, begins at 10 am and will be held at the Garrison Activity Center Banquet Room, located at 1045 McKnight Drive on the Henderson State University campus in Arkadelphia. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

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Nevada County 4-H will have six 4-H members competing at this year’s State 4-H O’Rama in Fayetteville the week of July 20. Nevada County 4-H is participating in the Hygiene Supply Drive. If you would like to help Nevada 4-H youth, you can bring items to the Nevada County Extension office no later than Friday July 17. Needed items include toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, small cosmetics bags, soap, lotion, deodorant, and youth undergarments for both male and female. The county that collects the most items will receive a complimentary State 4-H O-Rama registration fee and recognition at the awards ceremony.

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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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New Testament House of Prayer, 306 North Ferguson Street in Hope, Women’s Ministry Health Day on Saturday, July 18th, at 1:00 pm. Come and be empowered with information, encouragement, and a reminder that caring for our health is also honoring God. Guest speaker is Patricia Andrews-BSN-RN.

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Prayer, Praise, & Worship Saturday, July 18th, 6:00 pm at Hope First Assembly, 322 North Main.

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St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of Hope doors are now open EVERY Sunday for worship after a long period of twice monthly services. Please join us at 9:00 am on Sunday mornings! Following is the current schedule of services as we know it through the end of July. July 19th – Holy Communion, Michael Mitchell. July 26th – Holy Communion, Father Don Brown, Hot Springs Village, Michael Mitchell, Brunch following

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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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Lonoke Missionary Baptist Church at 702 South Hazel in Hope will hold Vacation Bible School July 20th-22nd at 6:00 pm each evening.  Youngsters are invited to come early and enjoy a light snack at 5:30 pm.  Classes will be for youth aged kindergarten through 12th grade.

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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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Curious about growing microgreens? Join the Hempstead County Master Gardeners for a Microgreens Workshop where you will learn the health benefits of eating microgreens, and you’ll make and take your own container planted with a microgreen superfood blend. The class will be July 21st at 6 pm at the University of Arkansas Southwest Research and Extension Center located at 362 Highway 174 North in Hope. Pre-registration is required, but there is no cost to attend. Please call the Hempstead County Extension office at 870-777-5771 to reserve your spot by July 17th. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact the Hempstead County Extension office at 870-777-5771 as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

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Hope Auto Ford-Hope Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Community Coffee Wednesday, July 22nd, 9:30 am-11:00 am at 1400 South Hervey.

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Hope Downtown Network (HDN), in partnership with the Klipsch Museum of Audio History, presents Summer Sounds Downtown, a free outdoor concert series set to bring music, energy, and community spirit to historic downtown Hope. Taking place July 23 – Trey Johnson & Friends, from 6:30-8:00 pm.  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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LifeShare Mobile Blood Drive Friday, July 24th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Walmart – Hope. Primary Blood Drive Coordinator is  Diane Crow. Email: dmcrow.s01065@stores.us.wal-mart.com Phone: 870-777-5500.

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LifeShare Mobile Blood Drive Friday, July 24th, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Rainbow of Challenges, 500 South Main Street in Hope. Primary Blood Drive Coordinator is Ciji Conway. Email: ciji.conway@roc-oh.org

Phone: 870-777-4501.

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SWAAC S.T.A.R. Academy Class of 2026 presents “Doggone Dinosaur Bone Has Done Gone Missing” Friday, July 24th, 6:00 pm, at the Rapert Library Auditorium on the UHAT Hope campus.

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The Prescott Civic Coalition will hold its second “Christmas In July” Auction July 24th and 25th at the Nevada County Courthouse.  The auction will be from 6pm to 9pm each evening.  All proceeds benefit local projects for Prescott and Nevada County.  The public is invited.

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St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of Hope doors are now open EVERY Sunday for worship after a long period of twice monthly services. Please join us at 9:00 am on Sunday mornings! Following is the current schedule of services as we know it through the end of July. July 26th – Holy Communion, Father Don Brown, Hot Springs Village, Michael Mitchell. Brunch following.

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Dino Magic Show & Fossil Showcase Tuesday, July 28th, 10:00 am, at the Prescott Nevada County Library, 121 West Main Street. Free. For info, 870-887-3534.

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Watermelon Royalty Hope Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Community Coffee Wednesday, July 29th, 9:30 am-11:00 am at the chamber office, 201South Main.

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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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LifeShare Mobile Blood Drive at the Hope Watermelon Festival, 800 South Mockingbird Lane in Fair Park Thursday, August 6th, 2:00 pm-6:00 pm. Primary Blood Drive Coordinator is Christy Burns. Email: hopechamberdirector@gmail.com. Phone: 870-777-3640.

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LifeShare Mobile Blood Drive at the Hope Watermelon Festival, 800 South Mockingbird Lane in Fair Park Friday, August 7th, 2:00 pm-6:00 pm. Primary Blood Drive Coordinator is Christy Burns. Email: hopechamberdirector@gmail.com. Phone: 870-777-3640.

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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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Melon Jams Open Mic Night at the 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival – Golden Jubilee Celebration. Back by popular demand, this lively event offers a unique opportunity for local talent to take the stage and share their music, poetry, comedy, and other performances with the community. Event Details • Date: Friday, August 7th. 2026 • Time: 6:00 pm.  Location: Farmers Bank & Trust Stage at Fair Park. Additional festival information is available at www.hopemelonfest.com

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The Watermelon Eating Contest is back as part of the 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival – Golden Jubilee, and it’s open to participants of all ages. This juicy competition will take place on Saturday, August 8th, at 12:00 noon on the Hope Public Schools Stage at Hope Fair Park. Participants will compete in three age divisions, with 1st through 3rd place awards presented in each division. One contestant will also earn the title of Grand Champion, awarded to the fastest watermelon eater of the day. This longtime festival favorite is free to enter and always attracts a lively crowd of spectators. Whether you’re competing for the title or cheering on your favorite contestant, it’s a fun-filled event you won’t want to miss. For more information about the Watermelon Eating Contest or the 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival, contact the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce at (870) 777-3640 or email hopechamberdirector@gmail.com.

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The always-entertaining Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest is back at the 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival – Golden Jubilee Celebration, and it’s open to all ages. This fun and fiercely competitive event will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. on the Hope Public Schools Stage at Hope Fair Park. Participants will compete in three age divisions, with 1st through 3rd place prizes awarded in each. One competitor will be crowned the Grand Champion for the longest spit of the day!

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The Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Fulton will hold a benefit program for Lasonia Bishop.  The program is set for August 8th at 6pm at New Bethel A.M.E. at 1641 Highway 200 in Rosston. Churches are invited to bring their soloists and choirs to render an “A” and “B” selection.  For information contact Pastor Jessie Henry at 870-896-2581 or 870-703-8994.  You may also call Deacon Jimmy Smith at 870-359-5820.  The public is invited.

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Women’s Banquet, Jesus-Be the Center of my Life, Tuesday, August 11th, 6:00 pm, in the Unity Baptist Church Gymnasium. Guest speaker and special music presented by Julie Gunter. Tickets available at the church Welcome Center until August 5th. Dinner, door prizes, fellowship, special music, encouragement.

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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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The Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Fulton will hold a benefit program for Bro. Rodney Lowe August 15th at 6pm at Clevet Springs Baptist Church, 143 Nevada 136, Buckner.  Churches are invited to bring their soloists and choirs to render an “A” and “B” selection.  For information contact Pastor Jessie Henry at 870-896-2581 or 870-703-8994.  You may also call Deacon Jimmy Smith at 870-359-5820.  The public is invited.

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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.