Even a rainy September day didn’t stop thousands from attending the 2nd Annual Beatles at the Ridge festival this Saturday. 3 locations were set up with musical performers and entertainment. The Iron Mountain Stage in the Regions Parking Lot featured such local talet as Marilyn’s Clogging Company, the Hoxie Cheerleaders and dance team, and a ballon release by the Compassionate Friends’. Also a duck calling contest, dog costume contest, and Rumblin’ Around the Ridge motorcycle show were happening nearby.
In Beatles Park the Murphy Bluegrass Boys kicked off the morning followed by musical performances by Hairy Larry & George, Blue Wave, and The Bottom of the Barrel Boys. The Arkansas vs. Alabama game played on the big screen set up nearby. VW Beetles and buses lined the streets of Abbey Rd. and windows lining Main Street and throughout town were decorated and tye-dyed with Beatles and peace signs.
As we strolled the blocks of venders,booths, and concession stands we caught photo’s of locals like Charles Snapp, State Representative James Ratliff, Sheriff Jody Dotson, The Walnut Ridge PD and Fire Department, as well as many festival attendees dressed up in costumes varying from hippies to zombies.
The much anticipated ribbon cutting for Guitar Walk at Cavenaugh Park at 3:00pm preceded the Liverpool Legends taking the Rock ‘n’ Roll Highway stage, followed by Sonny Burgess and the Legendary Pacers, and Stan Perkins.
The Guitar Walk is a 115′ x 40′ model of a epiphone casino electric guitar,with musicians recognized such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Sonny Burgess, and more.
Early ‘rockabilly’ musicians frequently traveled and performed at venues along the route that is now named Rock ‘n’ Roll Highway 67.
Enjoy the following photographs taken by Imboden Live and for even more Beatles at the Ridge pics check out the footer of Imboden Live!
