Texarkana Entertainment Blog

This afternoon I talked with the good folks over at the Four States Fairgrounds about what’s in store for this year’s rendition of a time-honored Texarkana tradition. One big piece of news is the 67th Annual Four States Fair & Rodeo headliner this year: Foreman, Ark.’s own bigtime country act in Tracy Lawrence. He performs Friday, Sept. 16, for the opening concert. General admission tickets are $25 in advance—no reserved seats. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. show start time.

A few other changes are in store: One, the fairgrounds will be promoting its own demolition derby this year. Two, there will be a different carnival at the fair, so expect to see some new rides and such when you bring the kids to see the cotton candy, colorful lights and wild rides along the midway. This year’s fair runs Sept. 16-25. We’ll have a preview of some of these changes in our Friday Accent page next week, so be sure to check it out.

- Aaron Brand

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It’s nearly time for that patriotic celebration the Fourth of July. I’m looking forward to a three-day weekend with friends, family and the dogs! But it’s also time for fireworks that spark up in the night and go boom in the sky.

To that end, Texarkana’s annual celebration, Sparks in the Park, is set for Saturday, July 2, at the Four States Fairgrounds on the Arkansas side. Three musical acts headline: Jemiah Cannon’s gospel at 5 p.m., The Inside’s rock at 6:45 p.m. and Driven’s country at 8 p.m. Fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m. (with a new vendor this year). Gates open and activities get rolling at 4 p.m.

This year’s action of one-day festival fun includes: a rock wall and kid’s sandbox, Hot Wheels and Cool Rides Car and Motorcycle Show, inflatable jump houses, an ice cream eating contest and educational activities at the Ag Learning Center, the Four States Barnyard petting zoo, motorcycle stunt show (three times: 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.), and the Southwest Arkansas REA kids contest from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a whole bunch of fun stuff (water balloon toss, three-legged race, hula hoop, bubble gum blowing, etc.).

Check out the Sparks in the Park Facebook page or the Texarkana, Ark., Website for a full lineup. Also check Accent for an advance story soon.

- Aaron Brand

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You’ve likely seen them around Texarkana at various retailers, located at a prominent spot near the cash register: little yellow coupons promoting Circus Gatti. That means the circus — with its limber acrobats, talented critters, and high-flying thrills — is back in town. Circus Gatti holds two shows at the Four States Fair & Rodeo on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Preferred entry tickets and other special offers are available at the circus Website: circusgatti.net. For more info, you can call the Four States Fair at 870-773-2941. Doors open an hour before the show and tickets are available at the door.

- Aaron Brand

Submitted photo:

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In addition to the big opening with Deryl Dodd, Shenandoah, Restless Heart, and Johnny Lee for the Friday Night Concert tomorrow at the Four States Fair & Rodeo, there are other music acts and performers appearing nightly on the outdoor stage beween Sept. 18 and 27. Here’s a rundown of the outdoor stage acts on tap for the next week at Four States:

Friday, Sept. 18 – Street dance

Saturday, Sept. 19 – Jason Helms Band

Sunday, Sept. 20 – Gospel show by Circle J Cowboy Church

Monday, Sept. 21 – Too Far Gone

Tuesday, Sept. 22 – Magic shows at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 – Shooters Karaoke Night

Thursday, Sept. 24 – ADC Cummins Prison Band

Friday, Sept. 25 – To be announced

Saturday, Sept. 26 – Dallas band Radio Edit

Sunday, Sept. 27 – Gospel show with Otis McGill & the Anointed Angels

- Aaron Brand

Submitted photos:

Johnny Lee

Deryl Dodd

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Looks like it’s country through and through for the big Friday night opening concert at the Four States Fair & Rodeo this year, the 65th annual rendition of this big Texarkana tradition. On tap for the show starting at 7 p.m. that night (Sept. 18) are Texas singer/songwriter Deryl Dodd, Johnny Lee of “Urban Cowboy” fame, Grammy Award-winning Shenandoah, and crossover country band Restless Heart. They’re artists whose best days of popularity seem to be behind them, but they’ve all achieved considerable impact on the music scene nonetheless. We’ll have more about them here and in the print edition of the Gazette as the Fair gets closer. The Fair runs Sept. 18-27. 

- Aaron Brand

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