VISIT HOT SPRINGS
134 Convention Boulevard • Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas 71901
1-800-922-6478 • 501-321-2027 • FAX 501-620-5008
May 16, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Paul Johnson 501/231-3817
pj72205@comcast.net
Supplementary Parking and Free Shuttle Service to be Provided
For Two-day Memorial Day Fireworks and Activities
At Hot Springs Airport to Celebrate 75th Anniversary
With large crowds anticipated for the two-day Memorial Day Weekend celebration of the 75th anniversary of Hot Springs' Memorial Field Airport, planners have established supplementary parking areas and a free shuttle service to handle the crowds. The celebration will be held Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28.
“We expect the Bombers and BBQ celebration, which will feature vintage aircraft, four free music concerts, a $15,000 barbecue contest and a whole array of other activities, is going to attract very large crowds,” said Kim Weatherford, who is coordinating the activities. “Therefore, we will have four parking areas — one at the airport itself and three more on lots near the airport.
“We’ll have free shuttle service to accommodate attendees, plus parking areas for disabled people and motorcycles. The shuttles will operate from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, May 27, and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. The parking areas will include places for disabled persons and motorcycles on the airport property, and lots at the Kroger store, the old Pizza Hut property and Resort Cable lot. The shuttle will circle those areas.”
Airport Director Glen Barentine said “We’re adding free music, classic aircraft, an ‘80s costume contest and plenty of other activities to the biggest fireworks display in Hot Springs history as we mark the 75th anniversary of our city’s airport. It’s all free and open to the public, presented by Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. So come on out for a full weekend of fun for the whole family.”
The fireworks display, announced previously, will be held at 9 p.m. Saturday, May 28. The display is being moved this year only from Lake Hamilton to Memorial Field as part of the Bombers and BBQ celebration. The display will return to Lake Hamilton in 2023. It is one of three sponsored each year by Visit Hot Springs. The other two are on July Fourth and Labor Day.
Weatherford said the activities will begin at 4 p.m. Friday, May 27, with the 1980s costume contest being the first activity on the agenda. The free music begins at 6 p.m. with a performance by Blane Howard, followed at 8 p.m. by The Molly Ringwalds, a band that celebrates 1980s pop culture.
The gates open at noon on Saturday, May 28, with an all-day display of vintage aircraft that includes a P-51 Mustang and an AA DC-3 Flagship Detroit, Weatherford said.
He said those attending should bring lawn chairs, and that no ice chests will be allowed.
The complete schedule for the two-day celebration:
FRIDAY MAY 27
• 4 p.m. — Gates Open
• 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. — Bombers on display
• 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. — Kid Zone
• 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. — ‘80s Costume Contest
• 6 p.m. — Blane Howard Concert
• 8 p.m. — The Molly Ringwalds
• 10 p.m. — Close
SATURDAY MAY 28
• 12 noon — Gates Open
• 11 a.m. – 12 noon — Baggo Tournament Registration
• 12 noon – 3 p.m. — Baggo Tournament
• 12 noon – 5 p.m. — Bombers on Display
• 12 noon – 8 p.m. — Kid Zone
• 12 noon – 3 p.m. — KCBS BBQ Cookoff
• 4:30 p.m. — BBQ Cookoff Winners Announced
• 5:30 p.m. — Mayday by Midnight Concert
• 7:30 p.m. — The Just Sayin’ Band Concert
• 9 p.m. — The Largest Fireworks Display Ever in Hot Springs
Weatherford said food trucks, vendors and an ATM will be available on site, and proceeds from the event will benefit The United Way of The Ouachitas, Garland County Stop Animal Cruelty and the Fraternal Order of Police.
For more information, contact Kim Weatherford, Kimhamilton1285@gmail.com