Free parking, shuttle service added to Memorial Day event

Hot Springs Memorial Field, circa 1950. - Submitted photo
Hot Springs Memorial Field, circa 1950. - Submitted photo


In anticipation of large crowds during the 75th-anniversary celebration of Hot Springs Memorial Field over Memorial Day weekend, planners have added supplemental parking areas and a free shuttle service for May 27-28.

"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," Kim Weatherford, who is coordinating the activities, said in a news release from Visit Hot Springs.

Weatherford said four parking areas have been added, one at the airport and three on lots nearby.

"We'll have free shuttle service to accommodate attendees, plus parking areas for disabled people and motorcycles," Weatherford said.

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 TV lot. The shuttle will circle those areas, the release 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," Airport Director Glen Barentine said in the release.

The community's annual Memorial Day fireworks display will be held at 9 p.m. Saturday, May 28. The display is being relocated from Lake Hamilton to the airport for this year only, as part of the Bombers and BBQ celebration.

The display, one of three sponsored annually by Visit Hot Springs, will return to Lake Hamilton in 2023. Visit Hot Springs also sponsors displays on July Fourth and Labor Day.

Weatherford said the activities will begin at 4 p.m. Friday, May 27, with the 1980s costume contest. 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 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.

• 4-6 p.m. -- Bombers on display.

• 4-8 p.m. -- Kid Zone.

• 4-7 p.m. -- '80s Costume Contest.

• 6 p.m. -- Blane Howard Concert.

• 8 p.m. -- The Molly Ringwalds.

• 10 p.m. -- Close.

Saturday, May 28

• Noon -- Gates open.

• 11 a.m. to noon -- Baggo Tournament Registration.

• Noon to 3 p.m. -- Baggo Tournament.

• Noon to 5 p.m. -- Bombers on Display.

• Noon to 8 p.m. -- Kid Zone.

• Noon to 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.


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