By JOAN MCCOY
Leader staff writer
Downtown Beebe is roped off today for Fallfest, an old festival that was revived about five years ago.
The owner and employees of Cool 104, a Searcy radio station, have organized the event for the second year in a row. They say 5,000 people attended last year and they hope the rain holds off so attendance will reach at least that number again.
Scheduled events include the Beebe Idol talent contest, set for noon, where vocal groups and vocal soloists will compete for $50 cash prizes. Ken Madden, station owner, said the contest was a hit last year with 30 contestants performing for more than two hours. It is scheduled for noon on the Community Bank stage.
Local bands will perform on the Simmons Bank stage. Madden said his staff has made every effort to use local entertainers. There will be entertainment for the kids, craft booths and food booths, including sub sandwiches and funnel cakes.
This year, a new category has been added to the beauty pageant in the Community Room at city hall. Little boys, up to three years old will be competing for the Fall Prince title. The pageant is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A pet show will start at 10 a.m. To register, go to the Cool 104 booth by 9:45 and pay the $5 entry fee. Pets of all varieties will compete for the titles cutest pet, ugliest pet and judge’s favorite.
Cool 104 volunteered to organize the event when interest of downtown merchants began to wane. The city council unanimously agreed to turn it over to the radio station after all members agreed they didn’t want the job.
However, the city does help with the event by roping off downtown and providing security. Parking is on side streets and admission is free.
