See a list of all the Saline County events at www.mysaline.com/events
The Ralph Bunche Neighborhood Association (RBNA) invites the public to join in a National Night Out event on Saturday, November 6th at 4:00 pm and Kicktoberfest, an annual kickball tournament, Sunday, November 7th at 3:00 p.m. Both events will be held at Ralph Bunche Park, 1300 S. East Street in Benton.
National Night Out is a community event that enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. The event provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
During the event, participants can enjoy a community resource fair, enjoy free grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, hear from keynote speaker Shameka Christon, with the Benton School District. The event is free. Organizations wishing to participate as a vendor in the resource fair may do so by contacting Robin Freeman at 501-722-8089.
Winners from the second annual Kicktoberfest event (Benton Police Department) held in 2018 are shown above with other participants from the Ralph Bunche Neighborhood (photo by Robin Freeman)
Kicktoberfest is a “Back the Blue” kickball event designed to show support for law enforcement in Benton. The family-friendly event will include goodwill competitive games of kickball. The general public is invited to attend the free event and to cheer on their favorite team.
Individuals and organizations wishing to enter teams into the event have until November 2nd to register. Teams of 8-12 persons may register for $35 by contacting Robin Freeman at 501-722-8089 or email [email protected] or contact Linda Smith at CADC at [email protected] or 501-367-6318. Food trucks wishing to participate in the event may do so by contacting Freeman. Food truck registration is $35.
All funds raised from Kicktoberfest will support the RBNA’s revitalization of the Ralph Bunche Community Center located at 1600 Dixie Street in Benton. The building formerly housed the all-Black school in the city and has recently been shuttered due to needed repairs. RBNA is a private nonprofit community organization and has received funding from Arkansas Community Foundation, Union Pacific, and Arvest Bank to help with the community revitalization project. All funds donated towards the project are tax-deductible. To support the project, contact Freeman at 501-722-8089.
The third annual Kicktoberfest is a result of community members working together to improve community relationships with law enforcement. The planning committee includes members of the Ralph Bunche Neighborhood Association, including Linda Smith, Deborah Hale, Sha’Nell Beaugard, Vincent Robinson, Farisha Brown, Shannon Winston, Teri Todd, Ann Richardson Cole, and Robin Freeman. Kicktoberfest originated in 2016 as a way of bringing the community together and to show support for law enforcement.
“We believe that by developing strong community relationships and collaborative partnerships with law enforcement, we can promote greater public safety, address the underlying issues that contribute to crime, and help transform our respective organizations to more effectively respond to the needs of our communities,” said Freeman.
The mission of the RBNA is to unify the community, promote economic and community development and encourage pride and safety in the community. For more information, contact Freeman at 501-722-8089.
The Ralph Bunche Community will host their National Night Out event on Saturday, November 6th.
Come for an evening of food, fun, and neighborly conversation. Enjoy free food and drinks, kids activities, and a live DJ. Local veterans will be honored with a Quilt of Valor. There will also be community resources available, health screenings, vendors and more.
To become a vendor, volunteer, donate, or for more information, call Robin Freeman at 501-722-8089 or Evelyn Reed at 501-672-5764 or 501-778-1133.