Thornton will kick off the Calhoun County Hogskin Holidays Festival on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The festival is an annual event that was started several years ago, and Thornton was designated as the area in which to begin the kickoff for the festival. Its tradition is valued in the sense that it brings the entire community, surrounding areas, and people from across Arkansas together for common purposes.
The Kickoff will begin at 3:00 p.m. with live musical entertainment, and servings for the barbecue dinner will be from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. All events will be held at the Thornton Fire Station/Community Room in Thornton, Arkansas. Tickets for the event may be purchased for $12.00 each. Carry outs will be available for those who do not desire to stay and eat. As in the past, valuable door prizes will be awarded throughout the event.
Your support is greatly needed and appreciated. The Kickoff for the Calhoun County Hogskin Holidays Festival is sponsored by Thornton Step-By-Step, Inc. Step-By-Step is an organization within the community, working in conjunction with the City of Thornton, that focuses on community improvement and improving the quality of life for its citizens. All proceeds generated from the kickoff Barbecue will remain with the organization and will be managed and used to help bring about the needed improvements.
Everyone is invited to the Festival Kickoff. This will be a fun event with great excitement and door prizes. If you have attended one of these events during past years, then you know about the delicious barbecue. A special invitation is extended to all politicians, all governmental officials of municipalities, counties, and the State of Arkansas, along with our U. S. senators and representatives. This would be a great opportunity for persons holding political offices to be exposed to the people of the Thornton community and surrounding areas. There will be an opportunity for office holders in government on all levels to be exposed to the audience. We are expecting a large turnout and a great time. Tickets are on sale and may be purchased from the members of Step-By-Step, Inc., or through City Hall. To get information regarding ticket purchases, or for any other information pertaining to the event, you may call any of the following persons: Levenis Penix (870) 352-8241 Sharon Scott (870) 352-7968 City Hall (870) 352-3576
