Leachville citizens gearing up for Centennial celebration

Volunteers decorated Leachville's main street last week in the final preparation for this week's big Centennial celebration.

Members of the Leachville Centennial Committee placed banners and signs downtown on Thursday, announcing the July 3, 4 and 5 events.

Nita Bridges created decorative banners for light posts and yards along main street. Banners were also placed at all city entrances.

"Photo op sites have been established along main street," Bridges said. "We will have a bench and painted backdrop at the sock hop and near the center of main street, where Dr. Rodman's office once stood. There will be benches at the Melody Theatre also, and of course at the Buffalo Island Veteran's Park. Many people come in town for these special occasions and want to take a memory photo, and this will give them four good choices of places to pose with friends and family."

Planned Centennial events will kick off on Friday by an old fashioned "dragging main" at 5 p.m. The sock hop will be from 6-8 p.m. in the BIC Elementary Gymnasium. Going on at the same time will be a gospel show at the Melody Theatre, beginning at 7, with Mayor Ralph Wells accepting a gift of Kevin Reagan's theatre artwork at 8 p.m.

Saturday is the biggest day of all three with Centennial Parade lineup at 9 a.m. at BIC East Elementary and Junior High, with the parade to begin at 10 a.m.

"We have a lot of people who have committed to building floats, ride bikes and drive antique cars and tractors," said Paula Bowen, parade chairman. "I think everyone will be surprised to see how large this parade is going to be. Steve Clark will serve as the parade Grand Marshal."

The all-class school reunion will begin at BIC East Elementary following the parade at 11 a.m.

"We will charge $5 for each classmate, to help with reunion expenses and clean up, but everyone else is admitted free," said Barbara Lloyd, Centennial chairman. "Bigg Butt's BBQ will be on site to provide food at the elementary all day, so people can eat and visit. We will be there until 5 p.m."

There will be a garden tour at the Adams Estate, east of town, with a fishing derby, bouncy houses and video mobile for kids from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monetary donations or packages of diapers will be accepted at the entrance for Baby Basics of NEA.

Mayor Wells will be in charge of the Centennial program at the school reunion and will cut the city's 100th birthday cake and introduce special guests.

The school variety show will begin at 6 p.m. at the Melody Theatre.

"It has become a school tradition for classes to take part in a variety show at the close of our reunions," said Moba Lee Miller, show chairman. "There will be no entrance fee. We will have a lot of music and comedy sketches. There will also be hot dogs and snacks available at the theatre during the show."

The Cave Dwellers will present fireworks at the city park at 9 a.m. Parking will be available and the entrance is free.

On Sunday, area churches will recognize special guests during morning services.

Copies of the new book "Leachville Arkansas Centennial" will be available at all downtown events on Friday and Saturday.