By Dr. Curtis Varnell
One of the most anticipated celebrations of the year, Frontier Days in Logan County will be celebrated on Sat. Oct. 1, in Paris. For 43 years, the city has hosted the event on the first Saturday of Oct. Attracting thousands of people, the event draws visitors from throughout the region who gather to celebrate the history and heritage of Arkansas settlers.
Vicki Wiggins, this year’s Grand Marshal, will kick off the event by leading the Frontier parade down highway 22 and around the square. After the 10 A.M. opening ceremony held at the Eiffel Tower park on the square, dozens of activities geared to every age group await the visitor. Many free activities for young and old, musical entertainment from various groups, a car show for auto enthusiasts, and a scavenger hunt for a $500-dollar prize await visitors.
Dozens of vendors offering everything from kettle corn to unique crafts and gifts will be scattered around the down-town area. This is Paris web-site booth will allow people the opportunity to explore the history of the county through old photos of sites around the county. At various times during the day, they will present a musical film-loop of Paris history free at 22 Brew, just across the road from the Eiffel Tower.
Entertainment during the day will include re-enactments by the Lawbreakers and Peacemakers, the Logan County turtle race, and free carriage rides around the city. Special music will include Debbie McPherson, Noah Gattis, Kaitlyn Wilson, and tunes by Big Vinyl.
The culminating event will be the Frontier Days pageant which will be held at the Paris Middle School auditorium and will feature some young, pretty, and talented young ladies from throughout the county.
The event, sponsored by the Paris Chamber of Commerce as well as the various business’s and industry of Logan County invite you to join in the excitement and enjoy a great fall day in Paris.
