RIVER VALLEY and OZARK AREA — For a couple of days, the fate of this year’s Lights Over the Lake in Conway hung in the balance. But thanks to Acxiom Corp., thecelebration is back on.
The Conway City Council denied a request Tuesday to provide $8,000 to underwrite the annual fireworks display and patriotic concert in the park at Beaverfork Lake.
But Vicki Crockett, general manager of the Conway Symphony o Orchestra, confirmed Thursday that Acxiom agreed to underwrite the cost of the fireworks show, , and plans for the event are proceeding as originally scheduled.
Lights Over the Lake will begin e at 7 p.m. . Saturday at Beaverfork Park on Arkansas 25, just north of Conway.
Mike Woodrum of Conway will be the master of ceremonies and will sing the national anthem.
The concert’s opening act will be Loose Ends, a 10-piece band that has been performing since the ’60s. The band - featuringkeyboard, trombone, trumpets um e , bass guitar, saxophone and vocals - will play a variety of music, ranging from classic to today’s hits.
The Conway Symphony Orchestra, which is celebrating its 25th year, will present a free concert as its final performance of the season. The orchestra is made up of more than 60 members. Music director and conductor Israel Getzov said he has chosen a wide variety of music for the whole family.
“We’ll salute our state’s history with ‘The Arkansas Traveler,’” Getzov said, “and we’ll end the program and usher in the fireworks with ‘Stars and Stripes Forever.’”
Concessions - including hamburgers, hot dogs and popcorn - will be available for purchase, or audiencemembers can pack their own picnic baskets.
The crowd usually starts to gather at 4 p.m. to celebrate the festivities. Boats must be launched by 5 p.m. to be on the lake for the evening.
A playground is available, as well as a sand volleyball court. At press time the swimming area was closed.
There also will be a speech by Mayor Tab Townsell, a presentation of the colors andrecognition of the nation’s armed forces.
The fireworks display will begin about 9:15 p.m. During the fireworks, no cars will be allowed to leave the park because spectators will be seated on the roadways.
“It’s such a fun, relaxed atmosphere,” Crockett said.
“Kids are running around in the grass, grandparents are sitting and watching, and it includes the whole family.”
River Valley Ozark, Pages 137 on 06/27/2010