Alongside the performance, guests enjoyed viewing the annual Gingerbread House Display, a festive tradition that showcases local creativity and holiday spirit. This year’s houses were modeled after the Clinton Birthplace Home in honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026, and staff and park rangers from the site were on hand to greet the 2025 Community Choice Award winner, Teresa King, whose entry earned the most votes. The award was proudly sponsored by Farmers Bank & Trust.

The purpose of the event was to introduce the Arts Council’s holiday programming and bring lighthearted entertainment to the community. The evening also marked an exciting moment as the Arts Council looks ahead to 2026, with plans for the Amateur Theater Group to begin meeting again in January—providing local performers with opportunities to reconnect and grow the region’s theatrical arts.

The Southwest Arkansas Arts Council extends its gratitude to the Hope Downtown Network, Farmers Bank & Trust, the evening’s performers, the amateur theater members who rehearsed, made props, and brought their creativity to their roles, and to Salem Short for her assistance in prop building, as well as all the community members who made the event a success.