HICKORY HILL PARK Outdoor Gospel Music Concerts 4th Saturday Night - May through September Highway 7 North - Hot Springs, Arkansas   Old-Time Singing From May through September each year, Hickory Hill Park offers a monthly schedule of down-home, southern gospel concerts with plenty of "bluegrass" and "country" gospel to suit everybody's taste. Hickory Hill Park is dedicated to promoting the gospel through music. It's a place where lovers of gospel music can get together in the tradition of old-time campmeetings to share their joy and sing their praises. A Mountain Retreat Nestled among shade trees in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, the natural beauty of the park is undisturbed. Two crossings banked by natural stones lead visitors to the seating area. The hillside amphitheatre provides an intimate view of the central stage. Beautiful flowers grace the many beds scattered throughout the grounds. A fountain in the center of the park provides a peaceful oasis to forget about the cares of life, relax and enjoy an evening of gospel music. Since 1987 the family has pooled their love and labor to create this peaceful retreat. In 2007 the backboard of the stage changed colors from the traditional green from its beginning. The 2008 season introduced a brand new wooden stage that was about 5' larger than the original size. Natural stones from the original stage were used in the landscaping around the new stage   Honeysuckle and Blackberries For several years during the 1980s the family hosted gospel concerts in the Arlington Park in downtown Hot Springs. This was a very beautiful and well-kept park but there were a lot of restrictions during that era. Also, there were no lights in the park so the concerts had to be held in the heat of the day and be over before dark. Buddy and wife, Imogene decided to clear off a spot on their property north of town and have a place for gospel music concerts. The site was covered with honeysuckle, blackberry vines and large saplings. It took a long time to clear the place so work could begin on the stage. The new park called Hickory Hill was opened in June 1987.   Homecoming Celebration Fourth Saturday Night Weekend in July   The annual homecoming celebration at Hickory Hill Park will feature a whole lot of gospel music in addition to other special activities during the event.       FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Lou Tabor, Manager Hickory Hill Park 216 Bryant Road Hot Springs, AR 71909 501-623-8068 E-mail: The Hawkins Family