Powell Preservation Society Plans Independence Celebration For July 7

Thursday, July 5, 2018

From home-baked cookies and a top-notch gospel band to a hayride and hot dogs, the Powell Historical Preservation Society will offer a down-home Independence celebration on Saturday, July 7.

The event will take place at the Brumley Hill and Hollow Grounds, 5067 Route E in Powell.

All proceeds of the community event will benefit the preservation and maintenance of McDonald County's 1914-15 historic wood and steel bridge at Powell.

Highlights of the event include several activities that have proven popular at the annual celebration.

New this year is the chance to win a rifle. Tickets will be sold at the celebration, with the winner's name being announced at the annual ham and bean feed on Sept. 15, said Tiffany Norwood, Preservation Society board member.

"The more you buy, the better the deal," Norwood said. Tickets are $1 each, or 10 tickets for $5; 20 tickets for $10; or 50 tickets for $20.

The Independence celebration will feature the gospel band, The Diplomats, of Carrollton, Ga. The group was snagged for the event when Bob Brumley, who has worked with members at some other gospel events, contacted them and booked them for the event.

"We are really excited about this year's entertainment," Norwood said.

The fun begins at 5 p.m., with children's games, live southern gospel music and fireworks at dusk.

Weather permitting, organizers will host a hayride down to the bridge. "The hayride has always been a hit," Norwood said.

Barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, home-baked cookies and watermelon will be available for purchase.

Volunteers are needed to help make the event a success. Anyone who is willing to bake cookies is welcome to do so. Parking volunteers are also needed. Those who are interested in helping with parking should report to Brumley Park at 5 p.m. on the day of the celebration.

Organizers also need to borrow 20 square bales of hay for the hayride. Anyone who would like to loan some bales may call Norwood at 479-925-0049.

Those who are traveling near the Powell area should note that the southernmost bridge at Powell on Highway E is out as the state replaces and widens it. If traveling from the south, an alternate route is required. Travelers should take Highway 90 to Gobbler's Knob, stay right at the forks onto Cowan Ridge Road. Travelers will then come to Highway E, next to the Powell Store. Turn left, and find the Brumley Park just down on the left.

Those who plan to attend should bring their lawn chairs.

For more information, email [email protected] and put Powell Bridge in the subject line, or visit the Powell Historical Preservation Society Facebook page.

General News on 07/05/2018