America’s birthday celebrated a day early in downtown Fort Smith
by July 4, 2010 12:21 pm 78 views
story and photos by Joel Rafkin
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This year’s Mayor’s Fourth of July Celebration went off without a hitch, unlike last year when the weather forced the fireworks to be shot early during a rain-free time window when the skies were still a bit too bright.
At 7:30 p.m. on July 3, people gathered on the lawn at Harry E. Kelley Park along the banks of the Arkansas River and were treated to music by acts Common Thread Bluegrass, the River Valley Community Band, ArRiVal Barbershop Quartet and Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Radishes.
The fireworks, launched from a field behind the River Front Amphitheater, dazzled the crowd for about 20 minutes beginning shortly after 9:30 p.m. with patriotic music to accompany the visual display. Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Radishes resumed its concert following the fireworks.
Mayor Ray Baker took the stage and welcomed the crowd between performances of the River Valley Community Band and ArRiVal Barbershop Quartet. He closed his patriotic message with his signature quote which also inspired the song "Life’s Worth Living in Fort Smith" written and performed by the ArRiVal quartet.
