Stunt dogs, amusement rides, and lots of activities for kids are planned for this weekend in Newport.
The Monster Kids’ Fest will be held downtown from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 14, according to a release from the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce.
Admission and all the attractions are free-of-charge thanks to the generous sponsors for Monster Nights Downtown Entertainment Series, the chamber said.
The Terry Scoggins Memorial Stage will feature the All-Star Stunt Dogs Show with three interactive performances at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.
The All-Star Stunt Dogs features canines performing backflips, handstands, big air stunts, and tricks. The dogs have performed on Good Morning America, Ellen, Oprah, The Queen Latifah Show, NatGeo Wild, Animal Planet, Disney Plus, as well as on The Rose Bowl Parade and in many commercials.
Besides their talent for the flipping, jumping, and racing, all of the dogs have been adopted out of shelters from across the country and turned into stars. The chamber says the show’s mission is to promote the importance of pet adoption, spay & neutering, and encourage people to be responsible pet owners. The louder you cheer, the release notes, the more air the dogs get.
Arkansas-based Hulsey Amusements will be bringing a few carnival rides to downtown Newport including a water canoe ride, train ride, parachute ride, and the 50-foot Frolic ride. Rides will be located in the gravel lot on Front Street.
The Jane Parnell Performance Hall across from the Depot on Front Street will be transformed into a children’s activity zone. Volunteers from ASU-Newport will have free arts & crafts, balloon art, and a wide range of fun activities for children. Attendees can register their child for prizes to be drawn on stage at 6 p.m. — including a Meta Quest 2 all-in-one virtual reality headset, a Pyle Karaoke Party Bluetooth speaker system, and gift cards.
Surrounding the downtown park, Hog Wild Entertainment will be bringing a spider jump attraction, bounce houses, a giant dual slide, a three-piece 65-foot obstacle course, and a three-person gyroscope.
New this year, Hog Wild will also offer a two-lane bungee run, a giant Twister game, and a 25-foot rock-climbing wall.
Cockrill’s Country Critters will bring a wide variety of animals to the festival and pony rides throughout the day under the big tent beside the Iron Mountain Depot. Other attractions include the Farm Bureau milking cow, the Jacksonport State Park educational booth, and much more.
Admission and parking are free. Food trucks will be on-site including Hot Dog Heroes, Fathead Grill, and Long’s Tropical Sno.
In the event of inclement weather, check the Monster Nights page on Facebook for the day’s alternate indoor plans.
Call (870) 523-3618 for more information.
Images provided by The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce
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