April 5 is Newport’s Sesquicentennial Celebration

A big year is ahead for Newport, Arkansas as we celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the city. Join city leaders and visitors for Newport’s Sesquicentennial Celebration on Saturday, April 5 in the downtown park.

The day will be dedicated to the Proud Past and Bright Future of a wonderful hometown. Activities starting at 8 AM and running to 5 PM will keep those who attend entertained all day long.

The downtown Monster Series is inviting graduating classes of Newport High School to enter a competition to see which one is the best class in Newport’s history. Classes can reserve a tailgate spot for April 5 in the Front Street Park in downtown Newport. Classes will compete for the chance to see their favorite Newport non-profit awarded a $500 donation from the Monster Series. Details on how to earn points are on the registration form.

The Jackson County Historical Society is hosting the “Historic Newport Photo Contest.” Search those old family photo albums for the neatest old pictures of Newport. The photos can feature people, places or things from Newport’s Proud Past. Bring the photos to Tech Depot where they will be scanned and returned to you. Prints of the photos will be on display and judged. Winners will receive cash prizes.

The Rails Along the River Model Railroading Expo will be held in the Iron Mountain Train Depot.  Sponsored by the American Legion, the VFW, Arkansas Traveler Hobbies, Dad’s Train Shop and Eagle Rock N Scale Layout, the train exhibit will fascinate young and old alike. Come see why model railroading is a hobby that has captivated people for the last 150 years.

Kids activities will include bounce houses, a petting zoo and more. The day will start with a fishing derby hosted by New Vision Newport Class 20. Help your young person experience the joy of fishing and maybe win prizes. 

History buffs will enjoy a special historical exhibit by Jacksonport State Park in the Jane Parnell Building alongside the Historic Photo Contest entries. Vintage videos of Newport’s past will play in the theater side of the Jane Parnell building during the day for those who want to walk down memory lane. The time capsule buried during the Centennial will be opened and the items will be put on display in the Jane Parnell Building for closer observation. A new time capsule will be dedicated and everyone present will be invited to take part in a photo that will be placed in the time capsule to be opened in 2075.

For those who are more competitive, New Vision Newport Class 20 is hosting a Cornhole Tournament. The tournament will pay 100% of the entry fees in prizes to the winning teams. More details about the competition are available on the entry form. New Vision Newport Class 20 will also be selling raffle tickets for a “Welcome Wagon” full of great items made right here in Newport. T-Shirts to commemorate the day will be available at their booth as well.

Vendors are invited to the event. All vendors must register before the day of the event. The cost is $25 per space. Businesses are encouraged to participate as well. Consider an interactive booth that tells the story of how you helped shape the Newport community throughout the years into what it is today.

Tailgate spots are not just for class reunions. If you have a group of friends that would like to reserve a tailgate spot for the day to enjoy the games and the music, you can register your group for a spot. Bring your tent and chairs and sit back and enjoy!

Speaking of music. The music will represent a blast from Newport’s past! Plans are to have the Legendary Pacers honoring Sonny Burgess. Joining the Pacers will be the Gib Ponder Band featuring Gib Ponder and Cliff Plegge from Newport. Gib Ponder played 50 years ago at the Centennial Celebration. The music will be capped off with the stylings of DJ Katrina Williams with a street bash dance party to end the day.

Food will be available at our great downtown restaurants, the Angry Possum and Postmaster Spirits as well as from food trucks representing Fred’s Fish House, PB&J and Tropical Snow. Enjoy the food, the music, the games and all the fun of a huge hometown birthday celebration.

To receive an entry form for the various events, a copy of the entire schedule or to ask any questions call the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce at (870) 523-3618 or email director@newportarchamber.org.