Access to water has made more events possible for the Bryant Area Chamber of Commerce‘s 24th annual[more] Fall Fest on Saturday, Sept. 24 at Bishop Park. “With two ponds we can add a fishing derby for kids and our Duct Tape Boat Race” commented Chairman Jason Brown. The Duct Tape Boat Race is sponsored by Landers Auto Sales of Saline County.
The fishing derby, sponsored by Hamilton Family Dentistry, for ages 15 and under accompanied by an adult, will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Tagged fish will earn a cash prize of $100. Two fish will be tagged. Other prizes will be awarded, too. Participants must be with an adult over 21 years of age. Participants are to bring their own fishing pole and bait. The stocked pond is available for fishing after the contest but the $100 prizes are only awarded if the tagged fish is caught during the contest time.
The inaugural Duct Tape Boat Race already has drawn participants from local business as well as individuals eager to show their duct tape engineering skills. “We plan to see who can build the most watertight, sleekest, fastest water-worthy vessel. Bragging rights will ensue. Fittingly, the trophy will be constructed out of duct tape and PVC pipe. The prize will not be made of duct tape,” hinted Dianne Jester, chairperson for the event.
The boats and paddles must be constructed of only PVC pipe and duct tape and are to be designed for a two person crew. Boats can’t exceed 8 ft in length. Each boat will be inspected by the City of Bryant inspector for adherence to the rules. Participants must be 16 years old or older. Participants must wear life vests and are required to bring those with them.
The boats, with crew on board, will race to a buoy and back and must contain the original crew at the finish to qualify. Lowes Home Improvement of Bryant has starter kits of ten pieces of PVC and ten rolls of duct tape available for $35. Let Marie Duke at Lowes know if you want the kit.
Boats must be to the check in area before 10:30 a.m. on Fall Fest Day and will race at 10:45 a.m.
Even before the boat race, a new twist on an old favorite will happen. The Fall Fest Parade, sponsored by Arvest Bank, will be a “Go Green” parade. No gas powered vehicles are allowed this year and the entire parade will be within the park. First Electric Cooperative Corporation will provide the lead car, an electric vehicle. As always, each school, school group, church, business and organization is invited to walk, ride a bike, ride a horse, ride in an electric vehicle, skate, skateboard, unicycle or otherwise participate in the parade.
Events tied into the Razorback Watch Party for the game that afternoon include the showing of the Arkansas Razorbacks game against Alabama on the large projection screen at The Center sponsored by Alcoa Federal Credit Union. Also a contest on the best “blinged out” Razorback fan will be held at halftime. A special viewing area will be set up for those who can not miss the Razorback game.
Fall Fest Venues/Activities Primer:
Business EXPO, Arts and Crafts Booths, etc. — Inside the Center (some outside if needed)
Main Stage — Inside the Center — Entertainment, Spirit Teams, Contests, Announcements, Door prizes
Razorback Watch Party — Inside the Center.- Big Screen Projection of Game, “Blinged Out” gear Contest
“Go Green” Parade — Outside in Bishop Park — featuring electric golf carts, bikes, wagons, etc. No gas motor driven vehicles
Duct Tape Boat Race — Outside in Bishop Park at the front pond
KidZland — Outside the Center around the building –Bounces, games, train, attractions, etc.
Kids Fishing Derby — Outside in Bishop Park — back pond
Zhu Zhu Pet Race — Inside the Center on Main Stage
Baby Crawl and Hula Hoop — Inside the Center on Main Stage
Pancake breakfast by senior adults, 7 to 10 a.m.
Timothy J. Allen
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