Festival aims to bridge gap between counties
First Bridge the Gap festival to promote health, wellness, community and family involvement, incorporate Hispanics
In an effort to “bridge the gap” between the Pope County and Yell County communities, groups from each side of the Arkansas River will meet at Old Post Park this weekend to promote health and wellness, as well as community and family involvement.
The first Bridge the Gap festival, organized by the River Valley Prevention Coalition and the 15th District Drug Coalition, will be held from 5-11 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.
“We want to bring the two counties together to combat the issues we both face,” said Janet Cook of the prevention coalition. “Because issues of drug abuse, alcohol abuse and general health do not stop at the river.”
Food vendors from each county will be on hand throughout the weekend, as well as live entertainment from local bands such as Dark from Day One, Red X and some guy named robb. Games and activities, as well as booths from area health and wellness organizations, will also be present for the public.
Another main goal of the event, according to organizers, is to incorporate the area’s Hispanic population.
“Our Hispanic population is really growing,” Cook said, noting Yell County has one of the largest in the state. “And it’s sad, but we really don’t cater to their community as much as we should. But I really think if we all joined together, we could all learn something about each other. And more people would find the Hispanic culture very interesting.”
Cook said with the many organizations in area available to assist local residents and their children, an event like Bridge the Gap is necessary to educate the public about those services. Groups such as Community Services Inc., River Valley Military Outreach, Express Personnel, Counseling Associates, Area Agency on Aging Senior Companions and Yell County Literacy Council, “are all willing to help,” and are scheduled to be at the event, according to Cook.
Also planned for the event are inflatable games; sport and dance team events; karate demonstrations; and speakers such as the Pope and Yell county sheriffs and county judges, Russellville and Dardanelle and Danville police chiefs, and the 5th and 15th Judicial District prosecuting attorneys.
The Bridge the Gap event is partially sponsored by a $3,000 grant obtained by the prevention coalition from Arkansas Drug Abuse Prevention.
Volunteers and translators are still needed for the event. For more information, contact Carol Lee. The event is free.