The McCaskill Church of Christ will hold a gospel meeting August 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Sunday School will be at 10am August 2nd, worship at 11am, a noon potluck meal, and the Sunday services wrap up with a service at 2pm. The services on August 3rd and 4th will be at 7pm. The speaker will be Robert Orren. Robert is well-remember for his work at the Hope Church of Christ from 2010 to 2015. Currently he serves as pulpit minister for the Highway Church of Christ in Benton. The public is cordially invited to all the services.
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The Harmenizers will be in concert Sunday August 2nd at 6pm at Bethany Baptist Church in Spring Hill. The public is cordially invited.
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Jury Trials Set for August 3rd in Hempstead County Circuit Court have been canceled.
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50th Anniversary Hope Watermelon Festival Parade is Monday, August 3th, starting at 6:00 pm.
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Right Bite Diabetes Cooking School Tuesdays (4th, 11th, 18th, 25th) in August, 2:00-4:00 pm, at the Nevada County Extension Office, 877 East Main Street, in Prescott. Join Shelia Ballard, Nevada County Extension FCS agent and Terrie James, Hempstead County FCS agent for the Right Bite Diabetes Cooking School. This is a four-week evidence-based, hands-on, nutrition education program designed to support individuals affected by diabetes. Learn meal planning and food preparation strategies that help control blood glucose and blood pressure through realistic, food-focused behavior changes. Cost is $10 and space is limited. Call 870-887-2818.
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Back to School Bash & Entertainment for our youth with Level 14 Entertainment at Curry’s Community Outreach, 606 Greenlawn in Prescott Tuesday, August 4th, 5:00 pm-8:00 pm. Food, games, toys.
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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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e:three Student Ministry will host their Fourth Annual Burgers for Books: A Scholastic Book Fundraiser on Thursday, August 6th from 5 pm to 7 pm in The Stokes Center at Central Baptist Church in Prescott. Thanks to generous donors in our community, 100% of the ticket proceeds go towards providing one book per month of the 2026-2027 academic school year to each student enrolled at Prescott Elementary. Additionally, the beef used for our burgers was raised and processed right here in Nevada County. $10. For tickets, call/text 870-703-2856. Donations accepted.
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Prescott Schools K-12th Open House Thursday, August 6th, 5:30-8:00 pm.
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Hope Kiwanis Club Pulled Pork Dinner Thursday, August 6th, 4:30-7:00 pm in Fair Park at the 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival. Menu is pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, and coleslaw. $10 per plate. Dine-in or carryout.
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City of Hope Arkansas Parks & Rec: It’s that time of year! Get your team entered in the Watermelon Olympics! Teams can be businesses, churches, families or even just a group of friends. Free entry. Starts at 6:00 pm Thursday, August 6th. 3 on 3 basketball, volleyball, tug-a-war, closest to the pin, watermelon relay. 8-person team, 5 male/2 female minimum. Contact Fair Park Office for more information or to sign up, 870-777-7500.
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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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Watermelon Festival Dog Show Thursday, August 6th, 7:00 pm, at the Hope Public School Stage, hosted by City of Hope Animal Shelter & Hope for Paws. The free event invites dog lovers and their furry companions to take part in an evening of tail-wagging fun and friendly competition. While there is no entry fee, donations of dog food to benefit the City of Hope Animal Shelter and local rescue efforts are encouraged and appreciated. Categories include: Best Costume, Best Trick, Best Looking Adult, Best Looking Puppy, and Best Overall. Winners in each category will receive ribbons and certificates. Information at 870-722-2545.
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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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2nd Annual Melon Mayhem Friday, August 7th, 6:00 pm, at the 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival. Free event for the whole family.
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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. • 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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Hope Watermelon Festival Cornhole Tournament Friday, August 7th, 7:00 pm, Legion Field at Fair Park. Double elimination, $40 per team. Register on Scoreholio. Bring your own bags. Cash prizes. More information at 870-777-7500.
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Energy Elite Cheer & Tumbling will be performing at the Hope Watermelon Festival Saturday, August 8th at 9:00 am at the Farmers Bank & Trust Stage in Fair Park.
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Competitors from across the region are invited to test their strength at the inaugural Melon Strong Arm Arm Wrestling Tournament, taking place on Saturday, August 8th during the 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival. The tournament will begin at 1:00 p.m. on the Farmers Bank & Trust Stage at Hope Fair Park. Participants may weigh in on Friday, August 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., or on Saturday, August 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A five-pound clothing allowance will be permitted. Competition divisions include: Men’s Open – Right & Left Hand• 154 lbs.• 176 lbs.• 198 lbs.• 242 lbs.• 243+ lbs. Men’s Amateur – Right & Left Hand • 154 lbs.• 176 lbs.• 198 lbs.• 242 lbs.• 243+ lbs. Women’s Open – Right & Left Hand • 154 lbs.• 155+ lbs. The entry fee is $25 per arm, per division. Cash payouts will be awarded to first-place finishers in the Men’s Open classes only, and custom awards will be presented to 1st through 3rd place in all divisions. For more information, contact: • Cameron at (870) 397-3778 or • Glen at (870) 826-9726.
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48th Annual Watermelon 5K and Melon Mile, taking place on Saturday, August 8th.This exciting event is part of the 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival – Golden Jubilee Celebration and promises a morning of fitness and fun for the whole family. The Watermelon 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Melon Mile at 8:30 a.m. Whether you’re a competitive runner, a casual jogger, or a parent cheering from the sidelines, everyone is invited to join this long-standing festival tradition. Registration Details • 5K Entry – $30 plus fees ($35 on race day). Discounted rates available for participants 18 and under. • Melon Mile Entry – $13 plus fees ($15 on race day).Open to ages 3–12. All registered participants will receive a t-shirt and watermelon at the finish line. Register today and secure your spot at: https://runsignup.com/Race/AR/Hope/HopeWatermelon5k
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Hope Civitan Car Show is Saturday, August 8th from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm at Hope Fair Park part of the 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival – Golden Jubilee Celebration. Participants may register on-site from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. Entry is $25 for the first vehicle and $20 for each additional vehicle. Pre-registration forms and entry fees should be mailed by July 27th to: Hope Civitan Club, P.O. Box 2340, Hope, AR 71802. The show features official judges using a 100-point judging system, with awards presented around 2:00 p.m. Trophies will be awarded to the Top 3 vehicles in each class, along with special awards for Best Paint, Best Engine, Best of Show Car, and Best of Show Truck. Burke & Walker additional awards include: Most Club Participation & Most Miles Traveled. The first 50 registrants will receive commemorative dash plaques and goody bags. Door prizes will begin at 10:00 am, and participants can also take part in the popular 50/50 pot. Classes include: Pre-1950 Car/Truck, 1950-1960 Car & Truck, 1961-1972 Car & Truck, 1973-1990 Car & Truck, 1991-2010 Car & Truck, 2011-Present Car & Truck, Mustang 1964-1993, Mustang 1994-Present, Corvette 1953-1983, Corvette 1984-Present, Rat Rod, and Import. All proceeds from the Hope Civitan Car Show benefit the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce and the Hope Civitan Club. For more information, contact Amber Mackey at (870) 397-3809 or email HopeCivitanClub@gmail.com. Additional 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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Prescott Schools Preschool Open House Thursday, August 13th from 5:00-6:30 pm.
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Nevada County Fair Cleanup Day Saturday, August 15th, starting at 8:00 am. Bring your shovels and rakes and anything needed to help get the Fairgrounds clean to get ready for the fair.
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Busted Canvas, a fun arts & crafts project youth can enter at the Nevada County Fair. 4-Hers can join in at the Nevada County Extension Office, 877 East Main Street, Prescott on Saturday, August 15th at 10:00 am. Space is limited to 20 youth. Call Shelia Ballard at 870-887-2818.
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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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7th Annual Back to School Bash Free Community Event, Tuesday, August 25th, 4:30-6:30 pm at Hempstead Hall in Hope. Snow cones, hot dogs, chips, drinks, and games! Sponsored by Hope Schools and Farmers Bank & Trust.
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The Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Fulton will hold a benefit program for Bro. Charles Johnson August 29th at 6pm at the “Spot”, 223 East Elm in Prescott. Choirs and Soloists are encouraged to render an “A” and “B” selection. The public is invited. For info contact Pastor Jessie Henry at 870-896=2581 or 870-703-8994…or you may contact Deacon Jimmy Smith at 870-359-5820.
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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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Nevada County Depot & Museum in Prescott will host a 3-session program combining family recipes, photographs, and scrapbooking to tell your family story: Session #1 – Monday, September 10 – Finding Your Story. Participants will bring a family recipe and at least one photograph of someone related to that family recipe. In this session we will explore ways to find the story you want to tell. Session #2 – Monday, September 21 – Assemble Your Story. Participants will use family recipes and photographs to create at least one scrapbook layout that tells the story from Session #1. Supplies will be provided or you can bring your own! Session #3 – Monday, September 28 – Share Your Story Potluck. Participants will share their story with the group and bring a potluck dish featuring their chosen family recipe to share! All three events are scheduled for consecutive Monday evenings beginning at 5:30 pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Scrapbooking supplies will be supplied, but participants need to bring at least one family recipe and one photograph. Registration is required! Early registration is just $15 for all 3 sessions. Deadline for early registration is September 1. Late registration is $25 for all 3 sessions.
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The Nevada County Depot Museum announced the 2026 Fall Muster – Cannon Safety Class, scheduled for September 18-20 at Prairie D’Ane Battlefield. This class is for experienced reenactors only who are seeking cannon certification. Registration is required and is open now at TheDepotMuseum.org. Participants will receive live demonstrations and structured outdoor instruction throughout the 3-day class. Our 800‑acre site just off I‑30 in Prescott, Arkansas offers all standard amenities, including fresh water, firewood, hay, restrooms, and designated period tent camping areas. A meal is provided for all registrants. The registration fee is $15, payable online or at the door. Pre‑registration is required. Please complete the registration form at TheDepotMuseum.org/2026fallmuster to request a digital payment link or contact the Nevada County Depot Museum for assistance. This training is open to experienced reenactors only. Current Coggins Test documentation is required for all horses. Artillery safety qualification cards will be issued upon successful completion of the course. All participants must be in proper period uniform to take part in the safety class. Door prizes will be awarded, and attendees are encouraged to enjoy a day of camaraderie while strengthening essential safety skills for the reenactment hobby. Prizes include: ● 1st Prize: 12′ x 6′ A‑frame tent, ● 2nd Prize: 12′ x 10′ fly, ● 3rd Prize: Set of Civil War Hunley books.
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2026 Fall Festival & Trade Days Saturday, October 10th, sponsored by the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, 9:00 am-4:00 pm. Live music, food trucks, vendors, games, and fun! On the Nevada County Courthouse lawn, 215 East 2nd Street in Prescott. Call now to reserve booth space at 870-887-2101.
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The Annual Meeting of the Pleasant Hill Cemetery Association is Sunday, October 11th, 2:00 pm at Highway 19 North and Nevada 64, near Prescott in the former church building.
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The Nevada County Depot Museum will present Civil War Weekend: The Battle of Prairie D’Ane on Saturday, November 7 at 11:00 a.m. at the historic Prairie D’Ane Battlefield, 2243 Highway 19 North in Prescott. The event brings to life the pivotal 1864 battle through a reenactment featuring trained living‑history interpreters. Following the battle, visitors are invited to step deeper into the past with tours of authentically recreated Federal and Confederate encampments, where reenactors demonstrate daily military life, equipment, and period skills. Food vendors and tradesmen will be on site throughout the day. Admission is $10 per vehicle with on-site parking. Civil War Weekend is a joint effort between the Nevada County Depot Museum and Historic Washington State Park, continuing a regional commitment to preserving and interpreting Arkansas’s history and celebrating America’s 250th by remembering the struggles that made our nation. For a full schedule of activities, visit TheDepotMuseum.org or the Historic Washington State Park Facebook page. For more information, contact us at TheDepotMuseum@gmail.com.
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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.