A section of Fifth Street will temporarily close to traffic Friday for a reboot of Hugh Goodwin Elementary School's Frolic on 5th event, which is set for 5 until 6:30 p.m.
During a specially-called meeting Sept. 23, the El Dorado City Council approved a request from the school to close its Fifth Street frontage between Jefferson and Madison avenues for a tailgating-style event that will include food (hot dogs and popcorn will be free and cotton candy will be sold), games, face-painting, cheerleaders and performances by Hugh Goodwin students.
Frolic on 5th is free and open to the public.
Principal Jesica Collins said the school is reviving Frolic to foster camaraderie among Hugh Goodwin Gators, their families and the community.
The event was last hosted in the early 2010s, having grown into a one-day festival/block party/street fair in partnership with the South Arkansas Arts Center within three years.
School officials said they plan to slowly ease back into Frolic by starting with a smaller-scale, tailgate event ahead of the El Dorado Wildcats home football game against the Searcy Lions.
Kickoff is 7 p.m. for the 6A conference tilt.
"We are just excited for families to come together again to celebrate our kids and for families to meet families," Collins said.
"We've had a lot of families move in who are new to the (El Dorado School District) and it's an opportunity for Hugh Goodwin Gator families to meet each other, to fellowship and build relationships," she continued, adding, "Plus, we'll be done by 6:30 (p.m.) so they can walk down to (Memorial Stadium) for the game."
The stadium is just east of the Hugh Goodwin campus.
Collins emphasized that the public is invited to attend Frolic.
"It doesn't just have to be Hugh Goodwin. We're the Gators and we're also all Wildcats and we want camaraderie for all Wildcats," she said with a laugh.
Parking for Frolic will not be available at the school.
Attendees are encouraged to park in available spaces in the area surrounding the school and to bring their own chairs.
Cheerleaders will begin performing at 5 p.m.
For more information, call Hugh Goodwin at 870-864-5071.