27th Annual Freedom Fest Let Freedom Ring Fireworks Extravaganza 07/03
The 27th Annual Freedom Fest Let Freedom Ring Fireworks Extravaganza will be held on Thursday, July 3rd, at the De Queen Sportsplex. There will be fireworks at dark, live band- Two Story Radio, from 7-8:30, DJ music at 6 pm, food vendors, water cannon, and cornhole. Cornhole doubles tournament weather permitting will be double elimination. $20 entry fee per person at registration. Registration begins at 4:30 pm at the Sportsplex. Bags will fly at 5:15 pm. Cash prizes for 1st and 2nd place. For questions, contact Gaythy Bakenhus at 870-784-1575. For vendor slot call, call 870-642-4140 or 870-784-1575. For cornhole info, call 870-784-1575.
Little River County Star Spangled 4th of July Celebration 07/04
The Little River County Star Spangled 4th of July celebration will be held on Friday, July 4th. This event brings together the community for an evening full of fireworks, food, music, and fun. Sponsorship opportunities include recognition on event signage and social media, shout-outs from stage during the event, promotion in pre-event advertising, optional booth or presence at the event, and a chance to show your community pride and connect with hundreds of attendees. Click on the following link for sponsorship opportunities. There are also open spaces for vendors. Vendor fees are $20 for members and $30 for non-members. Food trucks are $50 for members and $100 for non-members. Whether you sell food, crafts, merchandise or provide a fun activity, this is a great opportunity to showcase your business to a big crowd. Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Information booths are limited this year. To get a vendor spot, fill out the following link.
Newhope VFD Annual Independence Day Celebration 07/04
Newhope VFD annual Independence Day celebration will be held on Friday, July 4th. Meals will start being served at noon-till sold out. Plates are $10 each and consist of chicken, cole slaw, and beans. There will be a bouncy house for little kids and snow cones. There will be an auction, live music by Greg Garner, a cornhole tournament, and drawings for gun raffles. Bring your lawn chairs. You can buy tickets for drawings from any VFD member.
Stand Up For America Car Show 07/04
The Stand Up For America Car Show will be held on Friday, July 4th, from 9 am-2 pm at the Nashville City Park. There will be a 50/50 raffle and Top 30 Awards plus Best of Show for Cars, Trucks, Street Rods, Rat Rods, Muscle Car, and Imports. The event is sponsored by the Nashville Chamber of Commerce. Trophies will be provided by UA Cossatot. There will also be a Patriotic Stage Show with live music, a salute to American Armed Forces, and big fireworks show after dark. For more information, contact Chuck Martin at 903-513-0666.
The Star, Stripes and Saving Lives Bloods Drive will be held on Friday, July 4th, from 5-8 pm at 600 S. Ellen Dr. in Ashdown, AR. on the 4th of July, as we celebrate freedom and unity, donating blood is a powerful way to give back to your community. Holidays often bring a drop in donations but a rise in need, especially with increased travel and emergency situations. By giving blood, you’re helping ensure hospitals are stocked and lives can be saved- right in your own neighborhood. It’s a simple act of patriotism that carries a life-changing impact. For more information, visit LifeShare.org.
The 2025 God & Country Celebration will be held on Friday, July 4th, in Wickes at Cossatot River Elementary. There will be authentic Mexican food, hot dogs, nachos, fried Oreos, and fried Twinkies served at 7 pm. Live music will begin at 7:30 pm with “Chosen,” accompanied by “Backroad Revival.” Fireworks will begin at dusk.
A Star-Spangled Celebration Fireworks at Dark 07/04
There will be a star-spangled celebration fireworks at dark on Friday, July 4th, at the Ashdown Jr. High School. There will be vendors and food trucks starting at 6 pm, and the Michael Rhodes Band will perform at 8 pm. For more information, visit www.ashdownarkansas.com.
Sevier County Block Parties 07/15-07/29
The Sevier County Block Party Committee will host block parties this summer. There will be free hot dogs, popcorn, door prizes, and a chance to win bicycles. There will also be bounce houses and a KDQN Kids Corner. The next block party is Tuesday, July 15th, at the Ben Lomond Community Building, from 6-8 pm, and the final one is at Gillham Fire Department on Tuesday, July 29th. from 6-8 pm. The De Queen National Night Out will be sponsored by the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department. The date will be announced in the future. The event is free and businesses, organizations, and churches can set up booths to showcase their offerings. No sales allowed.
McCurtain Memorial Hospital Back to School Luau 07/18
The new Southern Sudz Car Wash will have their grand opening under the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce just east of the 70-71 Junction on Friday, July 18th , at noon.
Sevier County Cancer Survivors Dinner 07/26
The Sevier County Cancer Survivors Committee will host its annual Survivors Dinner on Saturday, July 26th, as part of its mission to share fellowship, community and support. The event begins at 5 p.m. at the De Queen Church of Christ Family Center. Admission is free for cancer survivors and one caretaker, while all other guests are invited to attend with a suggested donation of $5 per plate. Funds raised through the dinner and local business donations help provide $100 gas vouchers to Sevier County cancer patients traveling for treatment. The evening will include a special guest speaker, live music by a local family group and door prizes exclusively for survivors. The committee is currently accepting donated door prizes from businesses and individuals. All proceeds go directly toward patient assistance. Invitations are being mailed to cancer survivors across Sevier County, with a few reaching neighboring counties. However, RSVPs are not required, and the event is open to any cancer survivor, even those newly diagnosed. For more information or to donate, call Ginger Morris at (870) 784-0892, Debbie Stowers at (870) 784-2500, Sheila Ridley at (870) 784-1157 or Linda Frachiseur at (870) 584-9592.
McCurtain Memorial Hospital Back to School Luau 08/02
The McCurtain Memorial Hospital Back to School Luau will be held on Saturday, August 2nd, from 9-11 am. The event is community-wide and will be held on 1301 E. Lincoln Rd in Idabel, OK. There will be free school supplies and back packs. There will be music, water features, games, food trucks, dunking booth, giveaways, vaccines and more. For more information, contact Christy McCullough at 580-286-7623 Ext. 925 or Kayla Manginell at 580-286-7623 Ext. 905.
Sevier County Library Tots 08/05
The Sevier County Library will host Library Tots Tuesday mornings at 11 am beginning August 5th.
ON-GOING PROGRAMS
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Sevier County Farmers Market
The Sevier County Farmers Market will open on Wednesday, May 7th, at 7 am-12 pm in Downtown De Queen at the City Pavilion. Saturday markets start on May 10th from 7 am-12 pm or sold out. 2025 vendor forms available on site. Follow their Facebook page for the latest updates.
Lockesburg Farmers Market
The Lockesburg Farmers Market will be going on every Saturday until October 2025 at the Pavillion in the Park at Lockesburg. You can check for updates on their Facebook page: Lockesburg Farmer’s Market. You can also come by the Lockesburg City Hall and get a form. It is free this year.
Sevier County Library Color Our World 07/02-07/16
The Sevier County Library will host Color Our World on Wednesday, July 2nd, Wednesday, July 9th, and Wednesday, July 16th, at 10 am.
Free Summer Meals 06/02-07/25
There will be free summer meals from Monday, June 2nd, through Friday, July 25th. No service will be available on Friday, July 4th. No registration or application required. This is open to all children under 18. Places available for summer meal pick-up are De Queen Elementary Cafeteria located on 174 School Drive in De Queen on Monday through Friday 12-2 pm, Horatio Elementary Cafeteria located on 205 Isbell in Horatio on Monday through Friday beginning Tuesday, June 10th, from 12-2 pm, Gillham City Hall on 1942 US-71 in Gillham, AR on Monday through Friday, 12-2 pm, Herman Dierks Park on 613 E Hayes in De Queen, on Monday through Friday 12-2 pm, and Try Jesus Foundation on 114 E Walnut in Lockesburg, from Monday through Friday 12-2 pm. You can contact Cassie Schroer or Regina Grubbs for the Try Jesus Foundation.
Fiber Network Engineer 04/14-07/28
The Fiber Network Engineer Program is an Arkansas Fiber Academy program co-designed with industry partners to ensure students understand and master FTTH networks, routing, and switching. Practical labs, hands-on experiences, and guest lectures by industry experts are integrated into this 15 week program to give students a real-world understanding of their learning applies outside the classroom and insights into the latest developments in FTTH technology. Curriculum includes Introduction to Remote Work and Networking Fundamentals, Basics of Ethernet and FTTH Networks, Networking Devices and Protocols, Introduction to Routing and Switching, Remote Work and Network Security, Troubleshooting and Support, Lab Projects and Final Exam/Certification. Program highlights include free training funded by Office of Skills Development, supportive services available to assist qualifying participants with transportation costs, free tools worth over $800 for graduates, and career services including job placement assistance. Credentials offered are Calix Broadband Engineer Certification, Arkansas Fiber Academy Fiber Network Engineer Certification, and 45 continuing education units. Classes will be beginning Monday, April 14th, and will go through Monday, July 28th. The class will be held on Monday through Thursdays from 8 am-4:30 pm and provide 450 contract hours. Marty Allen is the instructor. For more information, contact 870-584-1178 or continuingeducation@cccua.edu.
Sevier County Library Reading Contest 06/02-07/31
The Sevier County Library will host a Summer Reading Contest beginning on Monday, June 2nd, through Thursday, July 31st. Reading broadens perspectives, expands your vocabulary, and stimulates imagination and creativity.
De Queen Schools No Kid Hungry Program 06/02-07/31
De Queen Schools will host the No Kid Hungry Program starting on Monday, June 2nd. The program will be held on Mondays through Fridays from 12-2 pm or until food runs out. This is a free breakfast and lunch for all De Queen kids ages 18 and younger. Pick up locations are at De Queen Elementary and Herman Dierks Memorial Park. For more information, contact 903-279-4228.
Harvest Summer Feeding Program 05/28-08/03
Harvest Regional Food Bank will host a summer feeding program while school is out beginning Wednesday, May 28th, and ending Sunday, August 3rd. The program will meet on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only from 11 am – 12 pm at the Lockesburg Library located on 112 E Main in Lockesburg, AR. The program provides free and nutritious meals to kids and teens 18 years and under while school is out. Parents and guardians may pick up meals for their children without children present. Meals can be picked up daily or 4 days of meals per visit. For more information, contact 870-289-2233.
Harvest Summer Feeding Program 05/29-08/03
Harvest Regional Food Bank will have free grab and go meals for kids and teens 18 and under while school is out on Thursday, May 29th, through Sunday, August 3rd. Meals will be available on Thursdays and Fridays only at 11 am-12 pm at Community Freewill Baptist Church on 791 S Martin Luther King Dr. in Ashdown, AR. Parents and guardians may pick up meals for their children without children present. Meals can be picked up daily or 4 days of meals per visit. Please contact 870-774-1398 for more information.
Color Our World Summer Reading Program 06/11-07/16
The Sevier County Library presents Color Our World Summer Reading Program on Wednesdays beginning on June 11th and ending on July 16th. The program will take place at 10 am each of those Wednesdays.
Story Creek Baptist Church GriefShare
Story Creek Baptist Church’s GriefShare is designed to help those grieving the loss of a loved one(s). It’s a nondenominational and truth centered approach that helps to bring healing on the journey through grief. No matter your background or story, there is hope and help available. If this is something you, or someone you know may be interested in, please contact us through Facebook, Messenger, or by contacting us at 479-216-3752. Pending the interest response, we project to launch the GriefShare Group meetings beginning Monday, July 8th, from 6:30pm-8pm. These will be weekly meetings through the summer and are free of charge. There is a suggested fee for the participant workbook, but scholarships are available upon request. Please contact Story Creek Baptist Church with questions and check out the Story Creek Baptist Church Facebook page for further announcements.
DE QUEEN CHURCH OF CHRIST FOOD PANTRY
De Queen Church of Christ, 1305 W Collin Raye Drive, hosts a food pantry on the first Wednesday of each month from 8 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.
DE QUEEN FIRST ASSEMBLY FOOD PANTRY
De Queen First Assembly, 1440 West Collin Raye Drive, will have the food pantry on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 9 am to 10:30 am. Call 870-584-3435 for more information about De Queen First Assembly and their food pantry.
Wickes Trade Days
Wickes Trade Days are the 2nd Saturday of each month. No charge for vendors to set up. The vendors start set up around 8 and it’s located on the lawn between the Union Bank and fire station on 278 east in Wickes. You can search the Wickes TRADE DAY Facebook page for people to follow or contact 479-216-8234 for more information.
Micah 6:8 Coffee Time for Widows & Widowers
Micah 6:8 will host a coffee time for widows and widowers at 9 am on every 3rd Tuesday. Enjoy a free cup or two of the house coffee and cherish moments of fellowship with wonderful company. You can contact Micah 6:8 at 870-584-3115 or find them on Facebook. The address of Micah 6:8 is 302 W De Queen Ave in De Queen.
Sevier County Housing Authority Board Meetings
The Sevier County Housing Authority is going to have Board meeting the 3rd Thursday of every month at noon at the Housing Authority Community Room at 304 S 13th Street, De Queen. These meetings are open to the public.
Veterans for Foreign Wars Meeting
The Veterans for Foreign Wars (VFM) will meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Legion Hut on 8th Street.
SEVIERLY STRONG – STRONGER TOGETHER!
De Queen/Sevier County Chamber of Commerce has started a new facebook page which will allow local businesses to post change of hours, curbside and home delivery availability as well as online shopping incentives. Help spread awareness for our local businesses by inviting friends and fellow business owners to join the group. For the most up-to-date listing or to post your information, click here.
PESTICIDE APPLICATOR TRAINING
The Division of Agriculture has made pesticide applicator training, certification available online.Fast Facts:
- Private applicator training now available online at uaex.edu/pat
- $20 cost does not include license fee paid to state
- Valid for both initial certification and recertification
FOOD PANTRY DISTRIBUTION 2ND THURSDAY
Horatio Sotelo with Templo de Alabanza said they will be distributing commodities at the First Church of the Nazarene on Hwy 70B in De Queen the second Thursday of each month.
DAISY STATE PARK UPCOMING EVENTS
Copy and paste the link below for a list of upcoming events:https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/daisy-state-park
EXTENSION HOMEMAKERS CLUB MEETINGS
The Extension Homemakers Clubs (EHC) of Sevier County hold regular monthly meetings for members to gain new knowledge through workshops, programs, activities and service projects. Everyone is welcome and information is available by contacting Janet Cantrell at 870-584-3013.De Queen EHC meets the 2nd Wednesday of Each month in The REA building AT 9:30 a.m.Gillham EHC meets the 2nd Friday of each month in member homes in Gillham at 10:00 a.m.
AMERICAN LEGION NOW ACCEPTING ALL HONORABLY DISCHARGED MILITARY SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN
Ricky Hendricks, Commander of Post 54 in De Queen has announced more people can join the American legion. Previously only veterans with certain years of service were eligible, but now policies have changed to allow for anyone who has been honorably discharged from the military to join the legion. The local Legion Hut in De Queen is located at 813 North 8th street and the group meets the 2nd Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m.
DE QUEEN FIRE DEPARTMENT ISSUES SAFETY REMINDERS
De Queen Fire Chief Dennis Pruitt has issued a reminder to citizens about carbon monoxide safety. For anyone who does not have a carbon monoxide detector or smoke alarm, call The Fire Department at 870-584-7224.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC NOW
You may now purchase copies of Arkansas Birth and Arkansas Death certificates at the Sevier County Health Unit, 304 N. 4th Street in De Queen.. For more information, call 870-642-2535AR Birth Certificates are $12.00 for first copy and $10.00 for each additional Birth Copy. AR Death Certificates are $10.00 and $8.00 for each additional Death Copy.At this time, they are only able to accept Cash or Check.You can still purchase certificates at: 4815 W Markham St. Little Rock, AR 72205.
IMAGINATION LIBRARY REGISTRATION FORMS
Imagination Library of Southwest Arkansas is an early childhood BOOK GIFTING program for all Sevier County children Birth to age Five. The children will receive an age appropriate book, monthly, at no cost to the parents, for children of Sevier County.To register for the Gifting Program, forms may be picked up at KDQN studios, De Queen Auto Group or at any Sevier County Library or you can register at www.imaginationlibrary.com.For more information, please call Z.Z. at 870-642-4886, Mary Ellen Dooley 870-584-8663, Melanie Marshall at 870-784-2882 or For Spanish information call Erika Buenrrostro at 870-784-5154.
HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed in Lockesburg, De Queen, Ashdown, Foreman, and Texarkana to help hospice patients and their families. Call Latoya Farris at 870-773-2621 or email: latoya.Farris@encompasshealth.com.
DONATIONS FOR CHALICE CUPBOARD ACCEPTED MON-SAT
Donations for the chalice cupboard may be dropped off at the De Queen branch of the Sevier County Library.
HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED ON THURSDAYS
Application for the low-income home energy assistance program will be accepted in Sevier County at the De Queen Nazarene Church on Thursdays from 8am-noon.
CASA SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
CASA of the Ouachita Region is currently looking for volunteers to advocate on behalf on foster care children. More information on volunteering can be found by calling Yuliza Stubbs at 870-518-4026 or email aguirreyuliza@yahoo.com.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY MEETING EVERY FRIDAY
De Queen First Assembly Celebrate Recovery is lead by Joe and Hattie Vance every Friday night at 6:00 p.m in De Queen. Information can be found by calling 870-584-3435 or email joehattiecr@yahoo.com.
HORATIO COMMUNITY LUNCH
Community lunch every 3rd Saturday at Horatio 1st Assembly of God Fellowship Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Every one is welcome and there is no cost.
FREE CLOTHING AT SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST
Seventh Day Adventist church is hosting a free clothing giveaway session every Thursday from 9:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m. The church is located at 1446 red bridge road in De Queen.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT GILLHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Gillham Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for extra help. Informational meetings are held at the station on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month with the exception of December. Contact Marc Rosson at 870-584-9434 to find out more about volunteering opportunities. Cent