DEAN CURTIS FOR LIVING WELL MAGAZINE Free music shows are stalwarts of summer in the Ozarks. In this photo, a band sets up for Mountain Home’s Friday Night Block Party.
JULIANA GOODWIN FOR LIVING WELL
n Friday nights in Mountain Home, there’s a growing sense of community.
Throngs of people are
turning out to enjoy live music during the summer-long Mountain Home Block Parties. Crowds come with their folding chairs, people lay down blankets, children frolic around and blow bubbles, friends catch up and all stand with hands over hearts for the national anthem.
“I thought it was wonderful,” said Judy Dolan who attended her first Block Party over Memorial Day weekend. “It’s not only the music, it’s the camaraderie of the community and sitting out there in
the nice weather and talking to people. I had a really good time and hope to go again. The kids were having such as great time, they were playing in grass. It’s a real family type of event.”
The free concert series kicks off 7 p.m., Fridays through the second Friday in September. Formerly known as Friday Night on the Square, this year there is a consorted effort to make it Mountain Home’s go-to Friday night destination.
Ron Shire, event coordinator, said the crowds have grown each week and he expects to attract 600 or more by the end of summer.
Shire founded the famous Yellville Music on the Square 17 years ago and resigned from his position there last year and now heads up
the Mountain Home Block Parties.
“We named it a block party to give it that 1960’s feel when neighbors got together to eat and laugh. It’s a unique experience in mid-America where people can come together,” said Shire.
Unique to America, but in north central Arkansas music has been uniting communities for generations. Yellville’s Music on the Square has attracted locals and visitors for nearly two decades. In Mountain View, musicians regularly play outside and spectators are welcome — some even join in. This area has always had a rich musical tradition and summer provides an opportunity to enjoy it outdoors.
“The whole goal is to bring the community together. You never
know what is going on in someone’s life, but for one night, they can forget about what’s going on in their life or in the world and just enjoy the music,” Shire said.
Shire started Yellville’s Music on the Square in 2001. He nurtured it from its first performance which only brought out a dozen people. By the end of the first year, he had 80 attendees.
“If you cater to folks and give them the best bands, they will come,” he said.
Now, the Yellville series regularly attracts 350 or more. Shire approached Mountain Home Mayor Joe Dillard about launching the block parties, which Shire believes will be even more successful.
“The mayor has been so Living Well i July/August 2017 15
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