Lum & Abner Section

June 1, 2016

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

June 1, 2016

June 1, 2016

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

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The History of the Legendary “Lum & Abner”

BY LEANN DILBECK Mena has become well-branded with the very down home humor that has withstood over 80 years known as Lum & Abner.

“Lum Eddards” and “Abner Peabody” were characters created by Chet Lauck and Norris Goff.

Lauck was born in 1902 in Aleene, Arkansas but moved with his family in 1911 to Mena. Goff was born in 1906 and also moved within blocks of Lauck in the same year and the two enjoyed growing up together, sharing a natural “comedic” talent. Imitating “Amos and Andy” the two entertained anyone that would allow them.

Taking their act on the road, the duo was scheduled to appear in Hot Springs on April 26, 1931. A last minute decision to appear as old-time Arkansas “philosophers” proved to be history making when the two debuted as “Lum and Abner.”

By July that same year, the duo made their national radio debut on NBC from Chicago with the Quaker Oats Company as their sponsor. Radio audiences enjoyed a break from war, the Great Depression, and the other challenges of life to tune into the continuing saga of the happenings at the Jot ‘em Down Store.

By 1940, Lauck and Goff were on their way to Hollywood to make the first of seven motion pictures. In 1948, the radio format was changed from a 15-minute show to a 30-minute program.

The new show used special guest stars, a live orchestra, and a studio audience. This new format was too different from the original and not a popular choice with the listeners.

By 1953, television was the new rage in America. Lauck and Goff considered trying the new medium and a pilot show was taped. However, Norris’ MEDI SHOP PHARMACY health problems were just too much to allow him to stand the rigorous schedPharmacy for Your Health ules of performing on early TV. “Lum & Abner” retired. And, thus, ended another era of the “Golden Age” Bob Geyer, Pharm. D. of radio when listeners changed their focus from “the two loveable old charPharmacist acters from Pine Ridge” and welcomed Goober and Andy from Mayberry.

204 Hwy. 71S at 2nd St. Lauck and Goff performed over 5,000 live radio programs and entertained countless millions of fans. For the next ten years, Lauck and Goff each made Phone: 479-394-3254 several appearances on various TV programs but the humor of the Lum & Toll Free: 866-575-9594 Abner fame was never revived.

Norris “Tuffy” Goff (Abner) passed away on June 12, 1978 and Chester “Chet” Lauck (Lum) joined him on February 21, 1980. Gone but definitely Welcome to the NOT forgotten!

Lum & Abner Festival!

Welcome to Mena!

Lum & Abner Festival Telissa Montgomery 205 N Morrow, Mena 479-394-1181

®

409 Hwy. 71 N, Mena

479-394-5550

BABY CRAWLING CONTEST Saturday, June 4th

10:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

MENA REAL ESTATE

816 South Mena St., Mena

(479) 394-5000 www.MenaRealEstate.com

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

June 1, 2016

June 1, 2016

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

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FRIDAY, JUNE 3RD

Please help us keep Janssen Park and our community clean! Trash cans & recycle bins are dispersed throughout the park. Please use these to properly dispose of your trash, paper, cans, etc.

Thank you!!!

CHECK OUT OUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIALS!!

109 Pine Avenue

DINE IN OR USE OUR DRIVE THROUGH

Celebrating our 30th Anniversary!

Stop by and sign up for prizes!

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Sunday

LOCATED IN THE NORTHSIDE SHOPPING CENTER • 394-6201

Full Service Hair & Nail Salon Amy - 479.234.7175 Karen - 479.234.5278 Nikki - 479.216.6217 Ronda - 501.791.6735

Tanning & Massage

JUNE 3&4

Welcome to Mena from MEMBER

Open 7 Days a Week Open Sunday 10-2 813 Mena St., Mena 394-3456

e to t h m o lc

e

at Janssen Park

We

Come and celebrate the Lum & Abner Festival

8:00 am - Seniors (55+) Fishing Derby 9:00 am - Ouachita Quilt Show Opens (Historic Armory) 9:45 am - Physically Challenged Fishing Derby 10:00 am - Opening Ceremonies Vendor Booths Open 10:30 am - The Outlaws Gunfighter Group 12:00 pm - The Outlaws Gunfighter Group 12:30 pm - Live Music - The Leon Page Band 1:00 pm - All American Lumberjack Show 2:00 pm - The Outlaws Gunfighter Group 2:30 pm - Live Music - Gator & Friends 3:00 pm - All American Lumberjack Show – Kid’s Lumberjack Camp 3:30 pm - The Outlaws Gunfighter Group 4:30 pm - Live Music - Richie Owens 4:45 pm - All American Lumberjack Show 5:00 pm - Quilt Show Closes 5:30 pm - The Outlaws Gunfighter Group 6:30 pm - Live Music - The Crumbs 8:30 pm - Live Music - Billstown 10:00 pm - Meet & Greet - Billstown

SATURDAY, JUNE 4TH

8:00 am - L&A Car Show Registration (Port Arthur) L&A 5K Run/Walk 9:00 am - Quilt Show Opens (Historic Armory) L&A Softball Tournament (Tapley Sports Complex) Fishing Derby (ages 5-12) 10:00am - Opening Ceremonies L&A 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament (Mena Depot) Vendor Booths Open RE/MAX Baby Crawlin’ Contest 10:30 am - The Outlaws Gunfighter Group 11:00 am - RE/MAX Baby Crawlin’ Contest 11:30 am - The Outlaws Gunfighter Group 12:00 pm - All American Lumberjack Show 12:30 pm - Live Music - Dual Carb 1:00 pm - The Outlaws Gunfighter Group 2:00 pm - All American Lumberjack Show – Kid’s Lumberjack Camp 2:30 pm - Live Music - Partners In Christ 3:00 pm - L&A Car Show Awards The Outlaws Gunfighter Group 3:30 pm - All American Lumberjack Show 4:00 pm - The Outlaws Gunfighter Group 4:30 pm - Live Music - Highway 31 5:00 pm - Quilt Show Closes 5:30 pm - All American Lumberjack Show 6:30 pm - Live Music - Lana Gail & Gail Force 8:30 pm - Live Music - Pamela K. Ward & The Last Call Orchestra 10:00 pm - Meet & Greet - Pamela K. Ward & The Last Call Orchestra

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

June 1, 2016

39th Annual Lum & Abner Festival Music Lineup

The Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission is proud to announce the live entertainment lineup that will be performing at the 39th Annual Lum & Abner Festival June 3 & 4 on the Aleshire Electric Entertainment Stage in Mena’s Janssen Park. Variety is the keyword for this year’s entertainment lineup, with something for everyone including rock, country, blues, gospel, bluegrass and more. Best of all, entry to the festival is free.

Friday, June 3rd The live musical entertainment fun begins on Friday at 12: 30 pm with Don Thompson & The Talimena Drive. At 2: 30 pm that day, Gator & Friends Cajun Country/ Gospel Band takes the stage, followed by Richie Owens at 4 : 30 pm.

For Friday evening performances, the opening act will be The Crumbs, a great Fort Smith-based The Crumbs, a Fort Smith-based band will be the openband featuring Americana, ing act on the evening of Friday, June 3rd. bluegrass, and modern folk music who will take the stage at 6: 30 pm. The headliner act for Friday night will be Billstown, a group featuring 3 generations of band members and music variety. Named for Friday night’s headline performer is Billstown. the small community in Pike County many of the band members are from and the home of Arkansas’ own Glen Campbell, Billstown was formed in 2008 by reuniting members of the Campbell Family Band along with some new additions.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Welcome to the Lum & Abner Festival!

Supercenter 67 • 600 Hwy 71 N, Mena

Welcome to Mena & the Lum & Abner Festival!

479-394-1222 1400 Hwy 71 N, Mena

Owners: Gary & Danny Miner

Welcome to Mena’s Lum & Abner Festival!

SINCE 1939!

1020 Mena St. • Mena, AR 71953 479.394.4332 TOLL FREE 1.888.394.4332

HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

June 1, 2016

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

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Music Lineup

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

S at urday, June 4 t h The live musical entertainment fun continues on Saturday, beginning again at 12: 30 pm with the band Dual Carb from Hot Springs. At 2: 30 pm that day, Partners In Christ takes the stage, followed by Highway 31 at 4 : 30 pm. For Saturday’s evening performances, Lana Gail and Gail Force will be the opening act. Lana Gail, Nashville Recording Artist, along with her band promise to entertain the crowd with their uniq ue upbeat treatment of songs from yesterday and today.

Headlining Saturday’s musical festivities will be Nashville-based Pamela K .

W ard and The Last Call Orchestra, a versatile band playing music from rock classics to country favorites.

Both Friday and Saturday nights, following the headliner performances, there will be a “Meet and Greet” session so that festival-goers can meet and visit with these talented performers.

Live entertainment is just part of the fun at the Lum & Abner Festival…

W hile many will visit the 39th Annual Lum & Abner Festival and enjoy the live musical entertainment, there is still much else to see and do at the festival. Both Friday and Saturday of the festival feature the All American Lumberjack hows, performances by he utlaws Gunfighter Group, fishing derbies, Lana Gail and the Gail Force Band will be the K iddie K orner, helicopter rides, the LoCoMotion Trackless Train, the Big Saturday evening’s opening act. Arts and Crafts Tent sponsored by U nion Bank, wonderful vendors, and – of course – great festival food! Additionally, on Saturday, June 4 th there will be the Lum & Abner Car, Truck, Corvette & Motorcycle Show, a 5 K W alk/ Run, a 3 on 3 Basketball tournament, a softball Pamela K. Ward and The Last Call Orchestra tournament, a baby crawlin contest, and the nion Bank Firefighter s Challenge. I-doggies it should be a great time will headline Saturday’s musical lineup. to be in Mena, Arkansas!

Clarice’s Room of Hope Fundraiser

at Lum & Abner Festival (Nidec Pavilion)

Visit the

Lum & Abner Jot ‘Em Down Store & Museum

Friday, June 3rd • Saturday, June 4th 100% of sales go to Clarice’s Room of Hope

Welcome to Mena and to the Lum & Abner Festival!

$5 - Hamburger

Chips, Little Debbie Snack Cake Hamburger 1/3 pound (precooked) USA Beef with all the trimmings

Free Wigs, Breast Prosthesis, and other Outreach Services Available:

$1 - Bottled Water

Gas Cards • Utiltity Bills • Lodging Volunteer Transportation

To inspire, encourage, and restore hope for persons affected by cancer and hair loss disorders.

Teena Brown - Founder • 403 Morrow N., Suite C • Mena, AR 71953

in Pine Ridge on Hwy 88 20 miles East of Mena.

Located in the original general stores on the National Register of Historic Places.

We invite you to stop in and enjoy a fabulous dining experience!

Monday 10 am - 2 pm, Tuesday - Saturday 9 am - 4 pm & Sunday Noon - 4 pm

MON. - 11AM-9PM • CLOSED TUES. WED. & THURS. - 11AM-9PM FRI. & SAT. - 11AM-10PM • SUN. -11AM-8PM

870-326-4442

479-437-3240

ON THE CORNER OF SHERWOOD AND SEVENTH STREET

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

June 1, 2016

Lum & Abner 5K Walk/Run to be held on June 4, 2016 Mark your calendars for the the Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission’s Lum & Abner 5 K W alk/ Run to be held on June 4 , as part of this year’s Lum & Abner Festival.

This year’s 5 K W alk/ Run, sponsored by Non-Stop Fitness, will both start and end at Janssen Park. The event will kick off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 4 . Registrations will be accepted until 7: 30 am on race day. Registration forms are available online at www.VisitMena.com and click on the Lum & Abner link. Additionally, forms are available at several locations in the community, to include Non-Stop Fitness, Hibbett Sports, City Hall, Tapley Park, and the Lighthouse Fitness Center for W omen. The early registration fee is only $ 26 and must be received before May 23, 2016. Registrations after that date will cost $ 30. New this year, all participants will receive a Lum & Abner 5 K W alk/ Run t-shirt. First, Second and Third place winners in each division will be awarded medals.

Come on out to

Dukes Junktion!

Hwy. 71 North on the right

Handy Hardware

L A R G E S T

$uper

DOLLAR STORE

IN

Flea Market P O L K

C O U N T Y

Father’s Day Special from Handy Hardware 10% Off All Case Knives

SKYLINE CAFE

Thurs. - Tues. 5:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Closed Wednesdays

618 Mena St.

479-394-5152

Breakfast Served All Day • Full Menu Served All Day Daily Lunch Specials • Biggest Little Salad Bar in Mena

Welcome to the Lum & Abner Festival

515 Janssen, Mena

394-4140

June 1, 2016

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

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Lum & Abner 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

Get ready to get your “hoop on” at this year’s Lum & Abner Basketball Tournament to be held on June 4 in downtown Mena on Sherwood Street as part of this year’s 39th Annual Lum & Abner Festival.

This year’s 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, sponsored by Mena Regional Health System, will begin at 10 am on Saturday, June 4 .

Registrations will be honored until 9: 00 am on the day of the tournament. Registration forms are available online at www.VisitMena.com and click on the Lum & Abner link. Registrations received prior to Thursday, June 2nd will receive a discounted registration fee of only $ 5 0. Registrations received after that date will be $ 60.

The tournament will be conducted in double elimination fashion with the following divisions offered: Boys/ Men 7-10, 11-13, 14 16, 17+ , Girls/ W omen 7-10, 11-14 , 15 + . The tournament will be played rain or shine, with the exception of lightning. Each player will receive an official 39th Annual Lum Abner Festival t-shirt and the winners of each division will receive individual medals. fficials will be provided on site.

6am-9pm • 7 days a week 804 Hwy. 71 North • 479-394-4702 DINE IN OR CARRY OUT • CALL FOR CATERING TOO

LICENSED RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR

WE CAN DO IT ALL

Welcome

Located in the heart of Mena, Arkansas W elcom e Welcome Mena's Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Buffet to M ena to the Breakfast Buffet: 6 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

7 Days a Week and th e Lum & to the Lum & Abner Lunch Buffet: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. - 7 Days a Week Abner Dinner Buffet: 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. - 7 Nights a Week FULL SERVICE MENU • TAKE OUTS WELCOME JAMES EARL TURNER - (479) 234-6244 Festival! PLUS ACall ERIC TURNER - (479) 243-5549 about catering - 394-4702 701 12th Street, Mena • 479-243-0957

Festival!

Country Express Mena’s Best Barbecue & Catering

Wide Selection of Bibles

Various Translations & Imprinting

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm

3354 Hwy 71 S. • 479-394-0663

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

June 1, 2016

39th Annual Lum & Abner Festival - Fun for the Whole Family Mena, AR, May 13, 2016 — The Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission would like to invite you to join the fun at the 39th Annual Lum & Abner Festival June 3 & 4 . Voted “Best New Festival in Arkansas” in 2006 by the Arkansas Festival & Events Association and “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” in 2010 by the Southeast Tourism Society, the festival has received statewide publicity in various newspapers, specialty publications, and television. 2016 promises many of the festival’s favorites - and promises a few new ones.

first 5 entries. ash la ues sic. Awards at 3 p.m.

Presented by the Polk County Developmental Center. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 4 . No pre-registration is req uired. Enjoy a great selection of beautiful cars, trucks, corvettes and motorcycles displayed in the historic Janssen Park. Registration fee is $ 20. All proceeds go to Polk County Developmental Center. Free t-shirts to Goodie Bags for first 100 entries. oor pri es 50 50 ot ipe ut Board u-

The All American Lumberjack Show is a festival favorite. The Lumberjacks are a must see! There will be multiple All American Lumberjack Shows & a K id’s Lumberjack Sport Camp with chain saw carving between each day of the festival. The fun will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday. he utlaws Gunfighter Group will thrill the audience with their comical, yet authentic, old west cowboy show he group will entertain from their own ld est own set up in historic anssen ark. he family and kid friendly shows will take place throughout the day on Friday and Saturday and have become a Lum & Abner favorite.

Live Entertainment is a hallmark of the Lum & Abner Festival and this year’s lineup is diverse and impressive. Live entertainment will be provided both Friday and Saturday of the festival from 12: 30 p.m. to 10: 00 p.m on the Aleshire Electric Entertainment Stage. See schedule of events for the list of entertainment acts. Live music includes something for everyone including rock, country, blues, gospel, bluegrass and more.

Vendors from nearby states, as well as, local crafters, artisans, and more will be offering their items at this year’s festival. Vendors include arts & crafts and a great variety food concessions. Items range from q uilts, wood crafts, birdhouses, garden dé cor, to honey, turkey calls, jewelry, soaps, and uniq ue creations. Food vendors will offer some tasty treats, such as, bar-b-q ue, hamburgers, homemade fried pies along with festival favorites like funnel cakes, corn dogs, nachos and kettle corn.

The famed Texas Twisters will return with the festival favorite drink along with great homemade soda selections.

We’re always on. . .

We’re always current! p owered b y

Welcome to Mena!

Mena

T H E P O L K C O U NT Y P U L S E

Authentic Mexican Food

Over 70 Vendors Indoors

Welcome to Lum & Abner 909 Mena Street

WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

OPEN TUES. - FRI. 10AM-5PM SAT. 10AM-4PM • CLOSED SUN. & MON.

479-243-08 22

(479) 216-3584

Open Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri & Sat 11am-10pm In the Atwoods Plaza • Hwy 71 North

Lunch and Dinner Specials Everyday!

June 1, 2016

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

This year’s 5 K W alk/ Run, sponsored by Non-Stop Fitness, will both start and end at Janssen Park. The event will kick off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 4 . Registrations will be accepted until 7: 30 am on race day. Registration forms are available on line at www.VisitMena.com and click on the Lum & Abner link. Early registration fee is only $ 26 and must be received before May 23, 2016. Registrations after that date will be $ 30. New this year, all participants will receive a Lum & Abner 5 K W alk/ Run t-shirt. First, Second and Third place winners in each division will be awarded medals.

Always a popular event of Lum & Abner is the 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament held on Sherwood Street. This year’s tournament is sponsored by Mena Regional Health System and Festival t-shirts will be included with the registration fee.

The winning teams with receive medals. Registrations will be honored until 9 am, June 4 and are available online at www.

VisitMena.com just click on the Lum & Abner Featured Event link. The tournament begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 4 .

Once again being organize d by the local B.P.O.E. (Elks) with assistance by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, the derbies will offer 3 different categories: Seniors (5 5 + ), physically challenged and children ages 5 -12. See schedule for exact times for each division. The derbies will be held at the ponds in Janssen Park. There is no need to pre-register and no cost to participate. Bring your own tackle and bait.

This year’s softball tournament will take place at Aubrey Tapley Complex. For more information on how to participate, contact Nathan Fowler at 4 79-234 -5 883.

The festival that claims “something for everyone” holds true to the claim! Mena RE/ MAX sponsors this event which is held on Saturday of the festival. Registration is on-site and race times are at 10: 00 am and 11: 00 a.m. on Saturday, June 4 . For additional information, contact Mena RE/ MAX at 4 79.394 .5 000. he

iddie

orner will be located near the playground area of anssen

uto

ark. Besides the playground, children can also enjoy in atables including a slide, obstacle course and bounce house. Returning for 2016 is the LocoMotion Trackless Train and the rock climbing wall. New this year will be Gyro-Extreme ride; if you like going upside down, sideways, forward and backwards, and around and around, this is the ultimate ride for kids and adults alike! Other activities will be available for children throughout the park including face painting and kids’ games.

New to the festival this year will be helicopter rides – a great way to get a “bird’s eye” view of all of the Lum & Abner fun! The helicopter rides will be offered from the parking lot at First Baptist Church-Mena, adjacent to Janssen Park on Friday, June 3 beginning at 4 30 pm and all day aturday, une 4. his is a uni ue opportunity to y in a helicopter and get a “bird’s eye” view of Mena and all of the Lum & Abner fun!

he festival “office” will be in the cabin. ouvenir t-shirts will be on sale and maps and brochures on the area will be available. Other Mena and Lum & Abner souvenirs will also be available. Festival staff will be wearing Y ELLOW staff shirts and be throughout the park during the festival to offer assistance.

Come See Us During Our

LIVE REMOTE

Friday, June 3rd 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Thank you to our

KENA Live Remote Sponsors

Rich Mountain Electric • Union Bank Coast to Coast Home & Auto • Walmart Miner’s A&B Tire • Handy Hardware Limetree Restaurant • Country Express Loaves & Fishes • Clarice’s Room of Hope

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