Page 8 - 2018 TL Spirit of Saline County

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SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
SPIRIT OF SALINE COUNTY • TRI-LAKES EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
MEET
YOUR NEIGHBOR
Jennifer Bradley
FIRST-GRADE TEACHER BRYANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT TEACHING?
I love being a part of a child’s life. I pray every day before school that God will guide me
to give each student what they need each day, whether that be extra help on an assignment, a hug or a word of encouragement. Teachers are a big part of a child’s life. The students spend a lot of time with us, so I want to make sure their time with me is valuable in whatever sense they need me.
WHAT MAKES THE CITY A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE/RAISE A FAMILY?
It has a small-town feel, but there are so many fun things to do with your family right in your backyard.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN BRYANT?
I have lived in Bryant for 10 years.
HOW IMPORTANT IS EDUCATION TO THE COMMUNITY?
That’s the ultimate thing that leads people to live in this community. People live in this com- munity simply for the schools, which makes my job as an educator even more important.
WHAT DO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DO FOR FUN IN SALINE COUNTY?
We love to go to Riverside and swim in the indoor pool, go to the movies at Tinseltown, and of course, we enjoy daily trips to Chick-fil-A.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP IN BRYANT?
I would be lying if I didn’t say Target, but I also love our local businesses such as La Belle Vie, Flowers & Home and The Painted Tree.
COMMUNITY
REVELRY
Area events keep locals lively
BY SARAH DeCLERK / SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
From fireworks shows to spooky blow- outs, Saline County offers a variety of events where locals can mingle with their neighbors. Here are some of the celebrations in store this summer and fall.
FARMERS MARKET
An ongoing occasion, the brand-new Benton Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. ursdays and Saturdays, said David Mattingly, the mayor of Benton. Patrons can pick up fresh produce and browse crafts at the market, which also hosts special events and live music. In addition, the pavilion is available to rent for parties and other gatherings.
INDEPENDENCE DAY BASH
One of Saline County’s most spectacular fireworks displays, the Independence Day Bash, will take place July 4 at the Saline County Fairgrounds, Mattingly said, adding that the free event will feature rides, live music and a fireworks display synced to music that attendees can listen to on their phones using an app. Helicopter rides and food trucks will also be available, and the first 300 children to arrive will receive a free Build-a-Bear.
“[ is event] is the city of Benton’s way of saying ‘thank you’ to our citizens for all the support they’ve given us,” Mattingly added. “We will focus not only on thanking them for that, but the meaning of the day, Indepen- dence Day, a celebration of the birth of our country, ... and we’re going to focus on thank- ing our veterans.”
SALT BOWL
e area’s hottest football rivalry will come to a boil Aug. 25 during the Salt Bowl game between the Bryant Hornets and Benton Pan- thers, said Cheryl Smith, director of operations for the Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce.
According to the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce newsletter, this year’s theme is “Sat- urday Night Lights.” e game will kick off at 7 p.m. at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
TRI-LAKES EDITION FILE PHOTO
Throughout the summer and fall, visitors can pick up fresh produce, peruse crafts and greet neighbors at the Benton Farmers Market, which is open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays.
BRYANT FALL FEST
When the leaves become brilliant, Bryant will prepare for the 31st annual Fall Fest, which is set for 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 29, Smith said. e event will feature a pancake breakfast and kids fishing derby, as well as a disc-golf tourna- ment, a parade, vendor booths, children’s activ- ities and more. A food-truck festival during the event will replace the barbecue contest held the past two years, she added.
HALLOWEEN FUN
Creepy characters will invade Benton on Oct. 20 during the Zombie Parade/Arkansas Coffin Races, followed by Spook City, Mattingly said. Attendees can don creepy clothes and makeup for the parade before putting their death-defying vehicles to the test. After the race, children can trick-or-treat in a safe envir- onment during Spook City, when they can visit downtown organizations for candy.
BRYANT BUSINESS EDUCATION SUMMIT
New this year is the Bryant Business Edu- cation Summit, which will take place 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 15. Smith said the event will offer 16 breakout sessions in which local business owners and entrepreneurs can learn about applicable topics such as digital marketing and business law.
“It’s to support our current businesses and help our young small businesses and entre- preneurs have a checklist of what they need,” she said, adding that the summit reflects the chamber’s cornerstones of economic devel- opment, networking and education.
Dennia Beard Agent Insurance Lic#189367 1408 military Road Benton, AR 72015 Bus: 501-778-6066
Like A Good Neighbor State Farm is There
Matthew Reginelli Agent
Insurance Lic#3624891 4715 Highway 5 N. Ste. 1 Bryant, AR 72022-7044 Bus: 501-847-4199
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