Press release, Josh Williams

(WASHINGTON, Ark.) - Historic Washington State Park announces the annual summer concert series Music in the Park with the theme “Proud to be an American.” Free concerts will be held in June, July, and August outside the 1874 Courthouse.

Patriotic music has always been a part of the history of our communities and nation. Residents of Washington in the 19th century enjoyed performing and listening to patriotic pieces to celebrate the country they were a part of. Come and enjoy evenings of patriotic music that make you “Proud to be an American” at Historic Washington State Park.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. The gift shop will be open for refreshments and Williams’ Tavern Restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for dining.

Concert Lineup:

June 19 – Nighthawk Country Band

Nighthawk Band is a country band offering a variety of sounds including classic country and progressive country. Nighthawk has been entertaining in the Ark-La-Tex area and beyond for more than 15 years. This versatile, multi-talented group consists of five members from the Southwest Arkansas and Northeast Texas area. Learn more at www.reverbnation.com/thenighthawkband.

July 17 – Arkansas National Guard 106th Army Band

Arkansas National Guard 106th Army Band is part of the Arkansas National Guard headquartered in North Little Rock, Ark. They perform at different venues around the state. Come and support our members of the Arkansas National Guard. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/106thArmyBand/.

August 21 – 1859 Marine Band

1859 Marine Band is from the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas. They seek to preserve the musical heritage of America's oldest and most prestigious military band. The 1859 Marine Band performs music of musical compositions and arrangements from The American Brass Band Movement (1840-1880). Learn more at www.frontierbrigadeband.com. 

About Historic Washington State Park

Historic Washington State Park, located in Washington, Ark., is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Mondays. The park is a restoration village interpreting the historic Arkansas town in the 19th century. Daily tours are provided to over 15 historic sites and museums, such as the B.W. Edwards Weapons Museum and Blacksmith Shop.

Relax and enjoy your stay at the Historic Washington Jailhouse Bed & Breakfast and enjoy a Southern cooked meal for lunch at Williams’ Tavern Restaurant. Also available on-site is the 1914 Schoolhouse bunkroom for group rentals, and the historic 1860 Brunson House and 1940 WPA Gymnasium for weddings and meeting space for groups of all sizes.

To learn more about upcoming historic tours, events, rent a facility, or book a room in the Jailhouse Bed & Breakfast, visit HistoricWashingtonStatePark.com or call 870-983-2684.  The park is located on US 278 Highway, nine miles north of Hope and can be reached by taking Exit 30 off Interstate 30.

About Arkansas State Parks

Arkansas State Parks is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. Arkansas state parks and museums cover 54,400 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities, and unique historic and cultural resources. The system includes 1,100 buildings (including 183 historic structures), six National Historic Landmarks, a National Natural Landmark, 16 sites on the National Register of Historic Places, and War Memorial Stadium.

The state parks have 1,800 campsites, 1,050 picnic sites, 208 cabins, five lodges, and 415 miles of trails. Eight million visitors annually come from all regions of the country. Park staffs provide over 42,000 education programs, activities, and special events to more than 700,000 participants each year.

Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism, and provide leadership in resource conservation. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and visit ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more about everything we have to offer.