All about Tri-Lakes Pulse of a town

TRI-LAKES AREA — It was unsettling to hear that the 30th annual Brickfest celebration in Malvern could be the city’s last.

I have no fond memories of the event. In fact, I have never attended, but I have been to more than my share of small-town festivals, and I know they are more than just annual parties for the residents.

Local city festivals celebrate the singularity of a community - those things that make it different from all other cities in America. Those things, and they can be almost anything, help define the identity of a town and share something unique about its people.

Brickfest reminds residents and explains to visitors how the city grew from farming and being a railroad town to a city of industry, making the bricks used to build bigger cities around the region.

Like in many places, the business may not be as important anymore to the community, but the heritage matters. It defines the community, and its residents share that uniqueness with visitors.

There are festivals all over the state that celebrate something important, or at least unusual, to the community.

The same week that Malvern residents are celebrating the brick, Emerson residents will pay tribute to the purple hull pea in a festival in the southern part of the state.

Other cities celebrate themselves by paying homage to their cash crops with peach, tomato, grape or watermelon festivals.

Throughout the year, these events draw attention to a town and its endearing qualities. There is duck-calling in Stuttgart, food is fixed and pigs are chased around in Morrilton, and homecomings are held in Bauxite, Hull, Piggott, Corning and elsewhere around the state.

Sometimes the reason and history involved are hazy, but the celebration of community is the same. No one has totally, and with complete confidence, told me the reason for the celebration of Toad Suck Daze in Conway, but I am glad they have it and have a good time.

Actually, some of the crazier events are what I like the most.

My hat’s off to Hot Springs for having some of the worst excuses for some of the best celebrations in the state. Washtub races and the world’s shortest parade route for St. Patrick’s Day make great events.

I know Hot Springs has a long history of tourism and has those springs. However, I think the city’s personality and attitude are the main things that attract people. Hot Springs is one of my favorite cities, and covering its people and events can be the best part of my job. It has a relaxed, fun-loving atmosphere, with a funky, bohemian quality that comes from its special mix of smalltown folks and residents from all over the world who seem to driveinto town and never leave.

These communities and their people deserve to be celebrated. I hope others agree and will go to Brickfest and learn something about Malvern’s people and its heritage, while enjoying some down-home fun.

I will be there to help make a Brickfest XXXI possible.