Article contributed by Kevin Jones
The LOCAL COLOR RADIO HOUR will be featured at an upcoming fundraiser at the Dixie Theater in Mansfield, August 10 at 7 p.m. This will be the tenth live LOCAL COLOR RADIO HOUR show since 2018. Tickets are only available at the door for $10.
According to the city’s website, little is known about the history of the Dixie Theater. The building was likely built sometime in the 19th century. It was originally believed to be the Hickerson Ford dealership then later a Dodge auto agency. It was converted into a movie theater around World War II. The City of Mansfield obtained the building in 2008, with major fundraising, such as grants and donations, designs and renovation efforts provided by Robert and Becky Walker, Marion Mathis, Glen Hurt, Brad Howard, Lt. Gov. Mark Darr, who was from Mansfield, Gov. Hutchinson, Bobby Shepherd, Carl Cummings, Dollie Gage, Jan Hurt, Jill Wagoner, Joe McCutcheon, Treva Mathis, and Warren and Nancy Looper, as well as numerous other local, regional, and state supporters have given time, treasure, and talents to bring this space back to life and promote economic and cultural growth to the region.
The Local Color Radio Hour live show features Little Known Facts and unique people, places, and events in the region around Mansfield, AR from its origins to now and highlights the restoration of the 1940s Dixie Theater which has served as a community theatre, movie house, and meeting center since then.
The usual suspects in the lineup also provide great music by Joe Hardin, Maggie Jones, Kevin Jones, Dennis Siler, Gary Udouj, Matt and Will McCoy, and Nick Probstfeld. Rounding out this rabble will be comedy sketches in the same manner of the golden age of radio with skits about the Needmore Hardware Store, “if we ain’t got it, you don’t need it”, as well as a visit from CODY FABER, the Roving Rambling Ranger, and his Tales of Summer in Arkansas. Always fun and education, full of great music and humor.
Many in the cast are UAFS professors, historians, and musicians who seek to promote local history, cultural studies, and area growth. Their goal is to remind people of their past, present, and how we can work together for a brighter future.
