GENTRY -- The annual Freedom Festival in Gentry has a long history, with the Gentry July Fourth celebration officially sanctioned as a Gentry celebration by city ordinance in 1913, but the celebration really goes back to the city's very beginnings.

The day was celebrated in Gentry from the earliest records. For example, the June 26, 1896, issue of the Gentry Journal included this notice: "A celebration at Gentry, Benton County, Ark., under the auspices of the Populist Party. The committee in charge invites each and every one, irrespective of party, to be present and enjoy the day with them. Come with your baskets well filled. There will be good speakers and good music, both vocal and instrumental. Plenty of amusement for all. Don't fail to attend this celebration...."

The June 22, 1900, issue of the Gentry Journal-Advance included this notice: "Grand Celebration at Gentry July 4! -- The biggest celebration in the history of the city will occur on the above date. Better speakers, more attractions, and the Fireworks display in the evening will be grand and spectacular and will be worth coming 50 miles to witness. Come and enjoy life for (the) day."

And on June 27 of 1913, the following was included in the Gentry Journal-Advance: "Don't fail to come to Gentry to the Fourth of July Celebration ... We are assured of good speaking by Senator Rodgers, of Gravette, Dr. Templeton, of Siloam, and John L. Crank, of Gentry."

Features at the celebration in 1913 included a merry-go-round, band concerts, baseball, races, a bucking bronco contest and fireworks.

The announcement concluded by saying, "Everything possible is being done to amuse and entertain our visitors, and we want everybody to come and enjoy themselves."

And today, the city of Gentry and Gentry Chamber of Commerce are still doing everything possible to entertain all who come to the annual celebration. "We want everybody to come and enjoy themselves."

Looking back at other July 4 celebrations

An ad in the Gentry Journal-Advance from June of 1916 mentioned the following features of the event: a riding contest with $10 going to the winner ($5 was offered to the person furnishing the "buckinest" horse); a young men's foot race of 100 yards with $2.50 going to the winner; a ladies 50-yard foot race with a pair of white slippers going to the winner; a sack race and a wheelbarrow race, with $1 going to the winners.

The July 4th celebration featured a baseball game with Pittsburg playing Gentry. Entertainment was by the S.I.A. (possibly a local stringed instrument association) in connection with Dodgen's Electric Show in the afternoon and the evening.

Boone's Mexico Ranch and Carnival Congress were to exhibit on the grounds.

The welcome address was to be given by Mayor G.D. Lowell. Miss Edna Eldridge was on the schedule to sing a solo. Other soloists included C.A. Downs and Mrs. C.A. Downs. Miss Alice Richardson and Sylvia Bryson were scheduled to sing a duet.

"Soul-inspiring music" was promised all day long by the "celebrated Gentry Band."

In June of 1915, there was disagreement on when the July 4th celebration would be observed since the fourth fell on a Sunday. Some wanted the celebration to be held on Saturday and some on Monday. No agreement could be reached but, after a review of city ordinances, it was discovered that a 1913 Gentry city ordinance stated the following: "That hereafter July 4th, except when the same shall come on Sunday, and then July 3rd shall be a day of general celebrating in the city of Gentry, and hereafter the people of the city and surrounding country are invited to meet and celebrate in an appropriate manner with full privileges from the city to do or act in any manner not conflicting with morals or rights of self or others."

Another ad in the Journal-Advance offered the following reminder: "Don't forget that Gentry will celebrate the 4th of July in fitting style. Everybody in Benton County is expected to attend. Our latch-string is long enough to include the adjoining states whose people are invited to be present and test our hospitality. Gentry never disappoints."

Print Headline: Freedom Festival has long history in Gentry

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