2009 MALVERN BRICKFEST

LITTLE ROCK — As the last weekend in June quickly approaches, it means one thing is near - Malvern Brickfest.

Brickfest, started in 1981 in Malvern, the self-proclaimed "Brick Capital of the World," continues to be the county's biggest event of the year.

The free event takes place Thursday through Saturday around the courthouse square. Between 20,000 and 30,000 people attended the 2008 event, organizers said.

"Our focus has always been our county, plus the few surrounding counties," said Brickfest Chairman Johnny Gibbs.

"We thrive to give them what they are interested in, and realistically we try to stay within our means."

Several favorite events and activities are back for the 29th annual event, including 3-on-3 basketball tournament, arts and crafts vendors, food concessions,the Brickfest 5K and lots of music.

"We really wanted to focus on local acts this year," Gibbs said.

Thursday night will feature gospel music AsIs at 7:30 p.m. Gibbs said the band features Malvern resident Rick Dial and his six-piece band.

Friday night music will begin at 7 with Dayton Waters on his 12-string acoustic guitar, followed at 8 p.m. with the Hippie Holler Band, the winners of the Garland County Battle of the Bands.

Southern rock band Stone Pony will open at 7 p.m. Saturday, followed by country band Riverbilly at 8:30 p.m.

"Riverbilly was here last year and, after we watched them, we knew instantly we wanted them back," Gibbs said. "They are a true treat to watch, and we are excited to have them back."

The Brickfest 5K begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the courthouse. The race has three categories of competition: run, walk and wheelchair. Preregistration is$15 and race-day registration is $20.

The 3-on-3 basketball tournament is sponsored by First Baptist Vine youth ministry. It begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Vine parking lot, 220 Vine St.

Another unique part of the festival is the helicopter rides. Gibbs said a local resident with a helicopter provided rides last year, and he is back this year to do it again. The helicopter will be set up on Tanner Street, near Walmart. Gibbs said rides start at $30.

Visitors can also keep busy during the day with a variety of vendor booths, food concessions, kiddie rides, the car, truck and motorcycle show and the prize giveaways.

"Local donators keep this festival alive," Gibbs said. "We don't have big sponsors; they are actual people in Malvern."

To presregister for an event or for more information, visit www.malvernbrickfest.com.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTSTuesday 4:30 p.m. - Fish Fry, Malvern Community Center 6:30 p.m. - Dinner Theater, Malvern Community Center Wednesday 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

- Special hours, Hot Spring County Museum Thursday 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

- Special hours, Hot Spring County Museum 4 p.m. - Brick Car Derby Registration, Malvern Boys and Girls Club 5 p.m. - Brick Car Derby, Malvern Boys and Girls Club 7 p.m. - Opening Ceremony, Brickfest Stage 7:30-9 p.m. - AsIs, Brickfest Stage Friday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. - Rides and Vendors open 10-11 a.m. - Magic Show, Malvern/Hot Spring County Library 6-10 p.m. - Alternative Rock Concert, Centennial Park7-8 p.m. - Dayton Waters concert, Brickfest Stage 8:30-10:30 p.m. - Hippie Holler Band, Brickfest Stage Saturday 6-7 a.m. - 5K registration, Courthouse 7:30 a.m. - 5K Race 7:30 a.m. - Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show, Centennial Park 7:30-8:30 a.m. - 3-on-3 Basketball Registration, FirstBaptist Vine parking lot 9 a.m. - 3-on-3 Tournament start 8-8:45 a.m. - Baby Contest Registration, Brickfest Stage 9-11 a.m. - Baby Contest 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Quilt Show, Malvern/Hot Spring County Library 9:45-10:45 a.m. - Best-Dressed Brick, Courthouse Pavilion 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. - Rides and Vendors open 1-2 p.m. - Brick Toss, Centennial Park 6-6:30 p.m. - Brickfest Prize Drawing, Brickfest Stage 7-8 p.m. - The Stone Pony Band, Brickfest Stage 8:30-10:30 p.m. - Riverbilly, Brickfest Stage

Tri-Lakes, Pages 133 on 06/21/2009