Excitement is building as Conway prepares for its annual Community Days celebration, set for Friday, Sept. 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This year’s festival promises two days packed with contests, music, games, and community spirit.
Connie Frost, president of Conway Community Days, said the team has been hard at work pulling everything together. “It’s getting close, and yes, it’s stressful—but that just means we’re doing it right,” Frost said with a laugh.
The festivities kick off Friday evening with the Little Mr. and Miss Community Days contest, a long-standing favorite. Local elementary classrooms select a boy and girl to run, with each vote costing a penny.
“They’ve got cans out across the countryside, and whoever raises the most money wins prizes,” Frost explained.
This year also introduces a brand-new tradition: the Golden Age Mr. and Ms. Community Days contest, open to participants 65 and older. Like the children’s competition, the winners will be chosen by penny votes.
“It’s the first year we’re trying it, and while it hasn’t taken off as quickly as I thought, we’re excited to crown our first winners,” Frost said. Winners will enjoy the honor of riding in an antique convertible during Saturday’s parade.
Saturday’s schedule is filled with family-friendly fun, beginning with turtle races at 12:30 p.m.
“Last year, we had well over 100 turtles,” Frost said.
Children can bring their own turtles to participate, though organizers ask that no paint be used on shells and that turtles be returned to the wild within a mile of where they were found. Thanks to a local sponsor, every child receives a dollar for participating, with additional prizes awarded to the winners.
Other highlights include a Gospel night on Friday, live music, church singing groups, dance and gymnastics performances, and the always-popular raffle booth. Raffle prizes include hourly drawings throughout the day Saturday, plus cash prizes of $500, $250, and $100 announced at 8:45 p.m.
“You don’t have to be present to win the big prizes, but you’ll want to stick around for the fireworks and $50 attendance prizes,” Frost said.
Two new contests will bring extra laughs to this year’s event. The inflatable costume race will be held Saturday at 5:30 p.m. near the stage, with both adult and kids’ divisions. Costumes are provided on a first-come basis, though participants are welcome to bring their own. Winners will receive cash prizes of $25, $15, and $10.
“If you haven’t seen one of these races, you’ve got to come watch. It is hilarious,” Frost said.
Another fresh addition is the Pie in the Face contest, where community members can nominate friends, co-workers, or even foes for the chance to get hit with a pie. The top five nominees with the most money in their cans will take a pie on Saturday—delivered by the person who nominated them.
Alongside the contests, families can look forward to kids’ games, a fenced play area near the carousel, and plenty of opportunities to relax in the shade. Saturday morning will also feature the annual Prayer Walk at 9 a.m., beginning across from the Senior Center at Jefferson and Main.
Frost said the goal is to offer something for everyone.
“We just want families to come out, have fun, and enjoy being part of the community,” she said.
To register for the Golden Age contest or Pie in the Face nominations, contact Frost at 417-531-2186. A full schedule of events can be found by searching Conway Community Days page on Facebook.
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