For Immediate Release

May 4, 2022

Newport, Arkansas

Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort

For more information call (870) 523-3618

Newport is pleased to announce that the Monster Kids’ Fest will be held downtown on Saturday, May 14. The event will be from Noon to 6 p.m. and features activities for children of all ages. Admission and all the attractions are free-of-charge thanks to the generous sponsors for Monster Nights Downtown Entertainment Series.

On the Terry Scoggins Memorial Stage, Kids Fest welcomes the All-Star Stunt Dogs Show for three interactive performances at 1:00, 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. This must-see show will entertain people of all ages. From back flips, handstands, big air stunts, to amazing tricks; these “All-Star Stunt Dogs” are thrilling the nation. You may even recognize the stars from Good Morning America, the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Oprah Winfrey show, Queen Latifah Show, NatGeo Wild, Animal Planet, Disney Plus, the Rose Parade, or from commercials. What makes these stunt dogs so special? Besides their talent for the flipping, jumping, and racing, all of these amazing pooches have been adopted out of shelters from across the country and turned into stars. Their mission is to promote the importance of pet adoption, spay & neutering, and encourage people to be responsible pet owners. The louder you cheer the more air the dogs get! So come join the “Dog-Gone Fun” at Kids Fest.

While downtown, stop by to see Arkansas-based Hulsey Amusements who will be bringing a few carnival rides to downtown Newport including a water canoe ride, train ride, parachute ride and 50-foot Frolic ride.  Rides will be located in the gravel lot on Front Street.

The Jane Parnell Performance Hall across from the Depot on Front Street will be transformed into a children’s activity zone. Join volunteers from ASU-Newport for free arts & crafts, balloon art and a wide range of fun activities that will entertain children for hours. While there, be sure to register your child for great prizes to be drawn on stage at 6 p.m. including a Meta Quest 2 All-in-One Virtual Reality Headset, a Pyle Karaoke Party Bluetooth Speaker System and gift cards.

Surrounding the downtown park, Hog Wild Entertainment will be bringing a spider jump attraction, bounce houses, a giant dual slide, a three piece 65-foot obstacle course and a three-person gyroscope. New this year, Hog Wild will also offer a two-lane bungee run and a giant Twister game. For the really adventurous, try out the 25-foot rock climbing wall to test your climbing skills.

Cockrill’s Country Critters will bring a wide variety of animals to the festival and pony rides throughout the day under the big tent beside the Iron Mountain Depot. Let your little ones get up close with animals large and small. Other attractions include the Farm Bureau Milking Cow, Jacksonport State Park educational booth and much more.

Make plans to attend Kids’ Fest on May 14 in downtown Newport, Arkansas beginning at Noon. Admission and parking are free. Food trucks will be on site including Hot Dog Heroes, Fathead Grill and Long’s Tropical Sno. The day will be guaranteed to delight your children.  In the event of inclement weather, check the Monster Nights page on Facebook for the day’s alternate indoor plans.  Call (870) 523-3618 for more information.