The first 2017 Murphy USA Summer Concert Series free event will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday with opening acts, prior to the June headliner, Jason D. Williams of El Dorado. The location of the event has been changed to the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, due to inclement weather. "Showdown at Sunset" will not be held on Saturday. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and seating will be on first come, first serve basis.
The Murphy USA Summer Concert Series is being presented by Main Street El Dorado and El Dorado Festivals and Events, according to Beth Brumley, executive director of Main Street El Dorado. Other concerts will be held on the fourth Saturdays of July and August. For more information, visit www.mainstreeteldorado.org.
On Saturday, “Memphis Music Night” will feature Sun Records star Williams, who is known for his high-energy shows and love of live performance. His wild piano playing brings to mind great performers like Jerry Lee Lewis and Al Jolson. The Side Street Steppers and The Burners will perform as opening acts and Main Street will host a barbecue food truck, as well as the Budweiser beer tent.
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The Seventh Annual Juneteenth Festival in El Dorado will be held from noon until 8 p.m. on Saturday at Mattocks Park. The event is free and open to the public. Presented by the Benito Glosson Foundation, the Juneteenth Festival will include music, live entertainment, vendors, community booths and children’s games and activities, including a bounce house. The festival will also feature a wide variety of music, including R&B, gospel and blues. For more information, contact Glosson at 870-866-7763.
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El Dorado Habitat for Humanity volunteers will be working at 537 W. Second St., El Dorado, from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday and will be working on siding (weather permitting). Everyone is invited to help with the newest home build.
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Several events have been planned at Moro Bay State Park for the weekend. From 10 until 11 a.m. on Saturday, a boat tour will be held and those on the tour may see wading birds, basking turtles and other wildlife. They will learn about the history of Moro Bay and the Ouachita River. Seating is limited for the free event so those planning to attend are asked to pre-register by calling or stopping by the Visitor Center at the park. They should meet at the Marina.
From 2 until 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Visitor Center, a park interpreter will talk about some of Moro Bay State Park’s most common reptiles. From 3 until 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, the “Story of a Butterfly,” will be held and from 4 until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, a park interpreter will tell those at the Visitor Center how to take everyday objects and use them to attract songbirds.
From 9 until 11 a.m. on Sunday, “Kayaking in the Bay,” will be held and those participating will “explore the intersection of three counties and three bodies of water on a guided kayak tour. Wading birds, turtles and belted kingfishers may be seen.” Children ages 12 and under must ride tandem with an adult and younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult on the tour. Fee, which includes use of kayak, paddle and life-jacket, is $14 for adults, $7 for kids ages 6-12 and under six, free. They will meet at the Visitor Center.
From 1 until 2 p.m. on Sunday, “Vultures: Nature’s Garbage Disposals,” will be held and will include a boat ride to learn about vultures. Those attending the free event will meet at the Visitor Center.
For more information, call the Moro Bay State Park at 870-463-8555.
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A Men’s Health Fair will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday in the Fairview Community Association Building, 1018 Wilson, El Dorado. The event is free and open to the public. There will be free eye exams, diabetes testing, blood pressure checks, HIV screening, nutrition information and weight/body mass screenings.
Information will also be available about the American Red Cross blood drives and representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will attend the fair. Total Medical Supply will distribute gift bags and other information about medical services and resources will be available. The fair will include door prizes, giveaways and entertainment provided by “Moving for Health.” The event is being sponsored by the El Dorado-Union County branch of the NAACP. For more information, call Janice Bush at 870-863-7437 or 501-410-6126.
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Full House from the Little Rock area will be playing from 8 p.m. until midnight today at the American Legion, 105 Christian Drive, El Dorado. The band is formerly known as Crosscut. Everyone 21 and over is invited to attend. No smoking allowed.