WASHINGTON, Ark.-Historic Washington State Park concludes the annual "Music in the Park" summer concert series Saturday.
Open to the public on the 1874 Courthouse grounds, the free concert has a theme of "Hempstead County Melodies." It starts at 7:30 p.m. and bringing lawn chairs and blankets is encouraged.
A song competition will begin in the evening. Musicians must perform an original song about some aspect of Hempstead County.
Judges will award $1,000 in total prizes to the top three best songs about Hempstead County. Local band "Bluegrass Reunion" will conclude the evening with a performance.
Hempstead County was formed Dec. 15, 1818. This year is the 200th birthday of the county that originally encompassed
all of Southwest Arkansas and parts of Northeast Texas. This year's music series theme has focused on Hempstead County bands.
The Historic Washington State Park gift shop will open for refreshments and Williams' Tavern Restaurant will open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 870-983-2684.