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South Arkansas Summer Calendar Packed with Parades, Concerts, Family Events and Fundraisers

Published

3 months ago

May 27, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

South Arkansas — South Arkansas is heading into a busy stretch of community events, with parades, rodeos, family activities, concerts, fundraisers and summer celebrations planned across the region. From El Dorado’s upcoming America 250 celebration to events in Norphlet, Crossett, Calion and beyond, residents will have several opportunities to gather, support local causes and enjoy the summer season. Below is a look at several major events coming up across South Arkansas.

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Parade registration is now open for one of El Dorado’s biggest upcoming summer celebrations: the America 250 Stars & Stripes Parade, set for Thursday, July 2, at 7:30 p.m. in downtown El Dorado.

The parade will take place ahead of the Murphy USA Drone Show, giving residents and visitors a full evening of patriotic celebration in the heart of downtown. More information about the event is available at GoElDorado.com.

The America 250 celebration is among several community events scheduled in El Dorado and nearby South Arkansas communities in the coming weeks.

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HealthWorks Fitness Center will host National Senior Health & Fitness Day on Thursday, May 28, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. The free community event will include a guest speaker from the South Arkansas Center on Aging, a mini health fair, health screenings, water and land class demonstrations, door prizes, breakfast provided by First Financial Bank and lunch provided by South Arkansas Regional Hospital.

HealthWorks will also offer Longfellow’s Whale Tales, a two-day water safety course for children ages 5 to 12, on May 28 and May 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. The American Red Cross program is free and limited to the first 40 children to register. Families may sign up at the HealthWorks front desk or by calling 870-862-5442.

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In Norphlet, the Norphlet Public Library will host a Summer Reading Kickoff Party on June 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 101 E. Padgett Street. The event will feature dinosaur digging, an “adopt a dino” activity, goodie bags, snacks and water. Sponsors include 4R Oil and Norphlet community members.

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Juneteenth events are also planned in El Dorado. The Justice League will present a Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day on Friday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MAD Amp. The event will include free food, frozen treats, community vendors, a bounce house, water slide, poster contest, free T-shirts while supplies last, speakers, entertainment and more. Clean Harbors is listed as the title sponsor.

Later that evening, Guud Vibez will host Juneteenth at Guud Vibez, also presented by The Justice League. Doors open at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 19, with no cover charge. The event will feature music, drinks, signature cocktails and a celebration of freedom, culture and community.

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In Crossett, the 78th Annual Crossett Riding Club PRCA Rodeo will begin with a parade on May 27. Parade lineup is scheduled for 3 p.m., with departure at 4 p.m. from Cap Gates Arena. Rodeo events will follow May 27-29, beginning at 7:30 p.m. nightly at Cap Gates Arena. Family Night is scheduled for May 28 with free admission, and the Battle of the Bulls is planned for May 30. The rodeo has been a Crossett tradition since 1948 and is part of the PRCA’s All American Pro Rodeo Series. The Crossett Riding Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports local community activities and provides college scholarships.

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Two El Dorado students, Isaiah Robinson and Herman Gill, will be among the participants in the 2026 Red River FCA Senior Showdown Basketball, Baseball, Football, & Softball event. The duo will have the honor of representing the great game of basketball as prodigy players. Red River FCA recently held a media day for the senior showdown participants and thanked Heritage Church for allowing the organization to use its facility. The event brings together standout senior basketball, baseball and softball players from the region for a Texas-versus-Arkansas showcase.

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A river poker run benefiting Debbie Hudson is planned for June 27 in Calion. The event will raise money to help Hudson’s family with expenses. Registration and payment will take place from 8 to 9:30 a.m. the day of the event at the spillway in Calion. The first boat will leave at 10 a.m., and the final boat is expected back by 3 p.m. Stops will be located up and down the river, with participants finishing back at the spillway. The cost is $20 per person.

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The #TeamLance Fun Run is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, in downtown El Dorado. The event honors the life and legacy of Lance E. Yarbrough and supports efforts connected to scholarships and medical assistance for young cancer patients. According to the TeamLance page, T-shirt orders, vendor registration and sponsor sign-up deadlines are June 1. Questions may be directed to [email protected].

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Also Friday around lunch, employees at Melvin’s Pharmacy will recognize Melvin Skeeles for 50 years in the business. Skeeles has served and helped many people throughout the years at his pharmacy, and the recognition will honor his longtime commitment to the community.

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Murphy Arts District has also announced that local band, Coyote Pine, will open for Scotty McCreery on June 25 at the First Financial Music Hall. Tickets are currently available through Murphy Arts District.

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A nearby benefit event is also planned in Calion. A river poker run benefiting Debbie Hudson is set for June 27, with registration and payment from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the spillway in Calion. The first boat leaves at 10 a.m., and the last boat is expected back by 3 p.m. The cost is $20 per person, with proceeds going to Hudson’s family to help with expenses.

With patriotic celebrations, family activities, health programs, live music and community fundraisers on the calendar, South Arkansas residents will have several opportunities to get involved throughout the summer.

Featured

How to Watch El Dorado Wildcat Football Live on South Arkansas Now

Published

4 days ago

August 28, 2026

Jax Sanford

Football Friday is here, and South Arkansas Now is bringing you live coverage of El Dorado Wildcat Football as the Wildcats travel to take on the Magnolia Panthers in Magnolia, AR.

Fans who can’t make it to the stadium can watch the game live in three different ways:

South Arkansas Now: Watch directly at https://southarkansasnow.com/san-live-stream/southarkansasnow.com
Facebook: Follow the South Arkansas Now Facebook page for the live broadcast. https://www.facebook.com/southarkansasnow
YouTube: Watch the game live on the South Arkansas Now YouTube channel. https://youtube.com/@southarkansasnow?si=-aQ3zFuoRpEFGLcc

Your Broadcast Team

Leading the call from the booth will be Jax Sanford, the voice of the Wildcats, handling play-by-play for South Arkansas Now’s live broadcast.

Joining Sanford in the booth will be Blake Cunningham, who will make his debut as the broadcast’s Color Commentator. Cunningham will bring additional insight and analysis throughout the game as the Wildcats battle the Panthers. Cunningham is a 2017 Wildcat graduate. A dual-sport athlete in high school, Cunningham was a star Wide-Receiver for the Wildcat Football team and middle infielder for the baseball team.

Behind the scenes, South Arkansas Now President and CEO Sandy Sanford will be producing tonight’s livestream.

The production team also includes Angie Parker, Mark Cook, Brittney Haynes, Elizabeth Haynes, and Peyton Tolbert, who will be working the cameras throughout the night to bring fans all the action from the field.

The Jason Hardy State Farm Pregame Show begins at 6:30 p.m., with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.

Whether you’re at the stadium or watching from home, South Arkansas Now has you covered for all the action as the El Dorado Wildcats take on the Magnolia Panthers.

Pregame: 6:30 p.m. | Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Featured

TUSK: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac performs at First Financial Music Hall on August 29th!

Published

4 days ago

August 27, 2026

Jax Sanford

El Dorado, AR (Aug 27, 2026) – The Murphy Arts District is excited to welcome TUSK: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac to the First Financial Music Hall on Saturday, August 29th. Doors open at 6:30pm with the concert starting at 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at eldomad.com and at the MAD box office at 101 East Locust Street. Ticket prices range from $20- $65 plus additional service fees. Tickets can also be purchased at the door day of show.

Playing the hits and deep cuts spanning the career of Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame group Fleetwood Mac, Tusk has been crisscrossing the country since 2008 as The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute. Five pro musicians turned into masters of their trade through decades of individual music study, live performance, creative risk and devotion to the art. TUSK features note-perfect renditions of both the solo and full band songs, with each member specializing in one of the core lineups of Fleetwood Mac (Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood). They possess an electric stage presence that can only come from well over a decade touring together. Truly the best at what they do, TUSK is unmatched in their tribute to one of the greatest bands of all time.

The MAD box office is open Monday – Friday from 9:30am – 5:00pm and is located at 101 East Locust Street in El Dorado. Tickets may be purchased by web, on location, or by phone at 870-444-3007. Please visit eldomad.com for additional information.

Featured

Arkansas National Guard Recognizes Smackover Educators with Lunch Ahead of New School Year

Published

3 weeks ago

August 13, 2026

Jax Sanford

SMACKOVER, Ark. – Teachers and staff at Smackover High School received a special lunchtime visit Wednesday, Aug. 12, as the Arkansas Army National Guard stopped by to show its appreciation for the educators preparing for another school year.

SGT. Payten R. Tompkins, with the Arkansas Army National Guard Recruiting Office, brought Chick-fil-A sandwiches for the faculty and staff and briefly introduced himself to the group.

Tompkins has served with the National Guard’s recruiting office in Magnolia but recently transitioned into the recruiter role covering the El Dorado-Camden area. As he begins serving the area, Tompkins said he hopes his role will extend beyond simply recruiting young people to join the Guard.

Instead, he emphasized his desire to empower young men and women to serve their communities in whatever capacity they choose.

Tompkins also wanted to use the visit as an opportunity to recognize the teachers and staff for the work they do each day.

He expressed his appreciation for educators and noted that the work of teaching is often underappreciated despite the tremendous impact teachers have on their students and communities.

The visit came as the Smackover School District prepares to begin another school year. Smackover High School Principal Cody Cranford praised his faculty and staff for the work they have put in to prepare for the upcoming year.

With teachers and staff working behind the scenes to get classrooms, programs and students ready for another year, Wednesday’s lunch served as a small gesture of appreciation for their efforts.

As the new school year approaches, Smackover School District is looking forward to another successful year, supported by a faculty and staff committed to serving its students and community.

Featured

Principal John Jameson Welcomes Students to EHS for 2026-27 School Year

Published

4 weeks ago

August 6, 2026

Jax Sanford

Featured

Murphy-Pitard Jewelers Joins Downtown El Dorado’s Christmas in July Celebration

Published

1 month ago

July 21, 2026

Jax Sanford

EL DORADO, Ark. – Christmas is coming early to historic downtown El Dorado as Murphy-Pitard Jewelers invites the community to celebrate the Christmas in July festivities, taking place Thursday, July 23, through Saturday, July 25.

Following the success of last year’s event, Murphy-Pitard is bringing the celebration back with an even greater focus on festive fun, holiday planning, and the excitement of brand-new jewelry arrivals.

Throughout the three-day event, customers will have the opportunity to get a first look at the store’s newest collections, recently hand-selected at market, while shopping the best selection before the holiday season begins.

“The response to Christmas in July last year was incredible, and we couldn’t wait to bring it back,” said Amanda Pitard, owner of Murphy-Pitard Jewelers. “It’s such a fun way to celebrate with our community, introduce the new pieces we found at market, help customers start their Christmas wish lists early, and remind everyone it’s never too early to start planning for the holidays. Whether you’re beginning your Christmas shopping or simply enjoying the festivities downtown, we hope you’ll stop in and celebrate with us.”

Guests can enjoy holiday treats, festive decorations, Christmas music, and plenty of Christmas cheer while exploring the store’s newest arrivals. Murphy-Pitard Jewelers is proud to join the Downtown Business Association and Main Street El Dorado, celebrating Christmas in July as downtown businesses spread holiday cheer with festive activities and create a fun shopping experience throughout historic downtown El Dorado.

Customers are encouraged to create their Christmas wish list during the event for a chance to win a $500 Murphy-Pitard Jewelers shopping spree through a special Christmas in July Wish & Win giveaway.

For the first time, Murphy-Pitard Jewelers is introducing a special Christmas layaway program during Christmas in July. The three-day offer allows customers to reserve gifts with 0% down, NO interest, and five equal monthly payments, making it easy to plan ahead for the holidays while securing the store’s newest arrivals. (Restrictions apply. See store for complete details.)

Additional highlights include Santa Savings, featuring select merchandise specially marked for the event, as well as a visit from Summer Santa on Saturday.

Murphy-Pitard Jewelers’ Christmas in July will take place during regular business hours:

Thursday- Friday, July 23- July 24: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For more information about Murphy-Pitard Jewelers, visit the store in historic downtown El Dorado, call (870) 863-8818, or follow Murphy-Pitard Jewelers on Facebook for event updates and sneak peeks of the newest arrivals.