Hannah's HOPE Kids' Carnival

It couldn't have been a more beautiful day for the Hannah's HOPE Kids' Carnival and concert in Bob Henry Park. What a great way to commemorate the end of September, Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. The event was well organized, and there was lots to do. Brian and Terri Kinder of Kindersongs drove up from Little Rock to entertain kids of all ages, on Terri's birthday, no less! They played many of their old favorites, and some songs from their new album as well. There were also inflatables, a pancake breakfast, petting zoo, face painting, tattoos, raffles, crafts, and even hair cuts for Locks of Love. All proceeds went to the Hannah's HOPE pediatric cancer foundation, and we had a lot of fun!


Also, I just wanted to point out the new Emelia's sign. Things are really coming together! I'll be sure to let you all know if I hear any news.

Pickin' & Grinnin' at the Cafe on Broadway

On this gorgeous fall day at the Cafe on Broadway, diners had an extra reason to smile, in addition to the delicious meatloaf and potatoes special. Cafe employee Travis Chaney, along with friends Eric Baird and Mark Rotramel, treated patrons to some old-time gospel and bluegrass tunes. Travis also brought some watermelons to sell from the farm he works at in Berryville. Yellow Meat, Little Baby and Sugar Baby watermelons, priced at $3-$6, guaranteed that they "won't go bad in your fridge."


I also spotted some savvy bikers visiting town, presumably in the area for Fayetteville's Bikes, Blues & BBQ festival. I'm sure that they were pleased to find our charming enclave, far from the maddening crowd.

The Titus Task 5K & 1 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk

I wanted to make sure everyone was aware of an exciting event that's coming up on Saturday, October 10th. The Titus Task 5K & 1 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk is a downtown community family event that is designed to raise awareness and funding for The Titus Task, an organization that pursues a future for orphans by supporting NW Arkansas families who are seeking to adopt domestically or internationally.


Founded on December 20, 2007 by Noel & Lori Tugwell, The Titus Task was established in memory of Titus, a baby boy the Tugwells were in the process of adopting from Haiti. Tragically, Titus passed away on September 19, 2007, presumably from malnutrition. The Tugwell's mission, inspired by Isaiah 58, is to look after orphans, share food with the hungry, provide the poor with shelter, to offer the shirt off of their back, to not turn away from those in need. The Tugwell family includes Lily, age 6, Silas, age 3, and they are currently pursuing the adoption of Louis from Haiti. It is their hope that he will be able to come home with them before his 12th birthday on November 6th.


The event is shaping up to be a lot of fun. In addition to the 5K & 1 mile fun runs, there will be music by KLRC, inflatables by Hog Wild Entertainment, photos by AUS 10 Photography and refreshments by the Cafe on Broadway. Goodie bags will be given to the first 250 participants to sign up, and there will also be great door prizes.

There is a suggested participant donation of $25/individual or $50/family. 100% of the proceeds will be used to pursue a future for orphans. (The actual race expense is already covered.) Registration will take place in front of the Twin Springs Park fountain beginning at 7:30 am and will close promptly at 8:15. The 1 mile fun run begins at 8:30 am, with the 5K immediately following. Pre-registration is recommended, and can be completed at the Parks & Rec office or 3D PT.

I can't think of a better way to spend a fall morning downtown. I hope to see you there!

The Low Water Bridge

OK, I'll admit that this photo is a bit lame. You see, we had this crazy thunderstorm last night after a day of rain, so I rushed down to the creek this morning thinking that I'd get an awesome photo of Sager Creek full and raging. Clearly, that wasn't the case. It was slightly higher, but that was about it.

However, for the benefit of those readers who don't live in Siloam, I thought it would be a nice opportunity to mention the low water bridge that is located adjacent to the library. It's actually pretty neat, and probably rather unique. On most days, the one-lane bridge is dry, and may be used by motorists. It's one of those situations we don't often encounter in our modern society- getting to take turns with approaching cars, then slowly creeping across the narrow passage when it's our turn. I don't know about anyone else, but I get a little thrill as I drive across, imagining how precarious it must be. It's really not, but like to pretend that it is.

Another interesting aspect of the bridge is that on rainy days, or whenever the creek level has risen, a city employee comes out to put up a chain and a sign warning motorists not to use the bridge. It's funny, because it seems like a bit of extra work, and I wonder if they've considered closing the bridge altogether. I'm certainly glad they haven't!

Story Time at the Library

Today at the library, and age-old question was answered: "Are monsters real?" Miss Laura, the eminent story teller at the library, says "No" and I am inclined to believe her. Laura Flynn is a Siloam Springs resident who taught school for thirty years and for the past eight years has been conducting the library's weekly story time.

Singing "Tooty Ta" by Dr. Jean & Friends

Each Thursday at 11:00 a large group of preschoolers gathers for about an hour to hear stories, sing songs and enjoy various crafts and activities. There is usually a theme each week, with corresponding stories. Today Miss Laura focused on classics, such as Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes and The Three Billy Goats Gruff, which paved the way for the discussion on monsters. Miss Laura is intentional and thoughtful about her story times, incorporating numerous learning opportunities, discussion questions and chances to "get the wiggles out".

The children enjoying "Stop & Go" by Ella Jenkins

Each week begins with Miss Laura bringing out Clifford, a small red dog puppet, who "jumps" along with the children of each age group. The group consists mainly of three and four-year-olds. The content and activities are geared primarily to this age group. Along with hearing the stories and songs, the children are encouraged to sit quietly and listen, valuable skills for children of any age.

One of my favorite parts of story time is when Miss Laura discusses the current month, and she reads from Chicken Soup with Rice: A Book of Months by Maurice Sendak. When I was little, that was a real favorite of mine, and it's fun to see my son enjoy it as well. So, if you are a three to five-year-old and you like to learn, get ready to "criss cross applesauce" and visit the library for story time.

The library also offers a host of other programs: a home school program every Tuesday at 10:00, a teen program every Thursday at 5:00, an after school program Thursdays at 3:30, a bi-lingual program every Monday at 10:00, and a 2nd Saturday Family Movie at 10:00. For more information, call 524-4236.

The kids each recieved a "Read" temporary tattoo. Fun!

Photo Exhibit at the Museum

The Mulberry Band, May 1912

I visited the Siloam Springs Museum this afternoon in order to view a new exhibit: "Photographs of Siloam Springs at the Turn of the Century, During the Roaring 20's and During the Hungry Years." All of the photographs in this collection are from the private collection of local resident Don Cundiff. I am familiar with Mr. Cundiff only through his frequent and spirited letters to the editor of the Herald Leader, and it is evident through those letters and his thirty year hobby of collecting Siloam Springs photos and memorabilia that he has a great passion for our city.

I really enjoyed the exhibit. I never tire of seeing glimpses into Siloam's history, and coming face to face with the generations of people who have made their home here. I love to recognize familiar buildings and landmarks, and to be reminded of the past.
The exhibit is divided into several categories: the 1900's, the Roaring 20's, and the 30's 40's and 50's. My favorite photo in the 1900's case was one featuring some banners hanging over a downtown business with the slogans, " The People Have Caught On" and "The Smile That Won't Rub Off." Those would be appropriate for today's downtown spirit as well, I think. I also liked a photo of a baptism taking place in the creek- it might be in the area behind the gazebo. Wouldn't it be neat to see something like that in Sager Creek today? And speaking of gazebos- I was impressed by a photo of a two story gazebo that once ruled over City Park. The caption mentioned that it hadn't lasted long. I wonder why? You can get a glimpse of the short-lived structure in the photo below:


The Roaring 20's display featured an interesting note about the Gay-Ola Bottling & Ice Cream Company that operated on Jefferson Street (east of Washington) from 1920-1926-ish. I'd never heard of this former Siloam business. They made Gay-Ola Delaware punch and "all flavors of soda water and kindred beverages" as well as Quality brand ice cream.

The 30's 40's & 50's display had some interesting photos of what appeared to be storm damage, with an uprooted tree laying on top of someone's porch. There were pictures of the former city pool, and some enjoyable Homecoming snapshots. There was also a small collection of photos of KUOA staff and on-air personalities, including "the Old Scotchman" in his kilt. Huh?

As if whiling away a peaceful hour in the museum wasn't enough fun, Cynthia Lee, museum hostess extraordinnaire, treated me to the VIP tour that included the museum basement and glimpses of the archives. There were numerous historic artifacts, including some awesome soap box race cars, and I also saw what can only be referred to as "the Bride of Frankenstein." I can say no more.

The photo exhibit will be on display through October 31. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10-5. Other upcoming museum events include: an Autumn walking tour of the Historic district on September 12th, the Annual Historic Homes Tour fundraiser on October 1oth, and the museum's 40th Anniversary birthday bash at the museum on November 14th at 2:00. For more information about these and other museum programs, call 524-4011.

Main Street Memories

There are so many things about downtown Siloam Springs that are special. And each of us probably have our own favorite spots. I would really love to hear from some of you- your favorite memory, a special moment, the experience that made you fall in love with our wonderful town.

One of my many favorite memories happened in March of 1992. It was Spring Break of my Junior year of High School (I'll save you the math- I'm 34), and my older sister, Heather, was planning to attend John Brown University. We lived in Atlanta at the time, and my sister and Dad asked if I'd like to tag along while Heather toured the campus and registered for fall classes. I'd never been to Arkansas before- actually, I'd never been west of the Mississippi, so I thought it sounded like fun. Five hours into our road trip, I awoke in the back seat asking if we were there yet. They both chuckled, and informed me that the trip would take about 12 hours. So much for my geography skills!

When we eventually arrived in Siloam Springs, we found ourselves in the charming downtown area. I begged my Dad to let us stay at the Crown Motel- it looked so quaint and had a great location, but he opted for the Super 8 on Highway 412. After dropping Heather off at JBU for a day of orientation, my Dad and I set out to explore. We fed the ducks, as shown above (and hey, whatever happened to that swan? It's so classy). We also discovered some of the many stone stairways built into the hillsides overlooking Sager Creek. I still remember how magical and fun it was to find the stairs, semi-covered with leaves and vines. It felt as if we had stumbled upon some undiscovered path. I fell in love with the parks and creek, and with the stately older homes on College and Alpine. We also stopped at the old Ben Franklin store on Broadway for Slush Puppies.

My first fun and carefree day in downtown Siloam resonated deeply within me, and factored into my decision to attend JBU as well. I really liked the idea of attending college in such a friendly place. Little did I know that I would be living here still, seventeen years later. That I would call Siloam Springs home.

If you would like to share a photo, memory or story about downtown Siloam Springs, please contact me at heididemarais@yahoo.com.