Nicky Boyette – Attorney Kent Crow said he, Owen Kendrick and Phil Holland decided the time has come for Eureka Springs to have a First Amendment parade, and they got a permit to stage one Saturday, April 15, 2017, the day before Easter.
Crow said it is extremely important for citizens to celebrate the First Amendment, which in 45 words covers a broad spectrum of rights Americans enjoy daily including the freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom to petition the government for redress of grievances.
“There is a lot of legislation lately being cast inhibiting rights granted by the First Amendment,” he said. So the three men thought of having a parade. People can participate regardless of their points of view “to demonstrate we are one community in Arkansas that recognizes everyone’s rights under the First Amendment.”
Crow said they are taking their cue from what other groups are doing to educate the public, in particular the First Amendment Lawyers Association and the First Amendment Foundation.
Kendrick mentioned they chose the specific date for symbolic reasons, and are inviting everyone to join in. Crow commented it would be an opportunity for the community to come together and voice opinions as long as there is no hate speech or offensive behavior. He mentioned in particular that all churches are invited.
There will be tables set up in Basin Park for those who want their petitions signed or who want to distribute brochures and pamphlets. Crow called it “a civics lesson.”
Nancy Paddock was waiting tables at Sparky’s restaurant when she overheard the group talking about the parade, and asked them what they were referring to. “They told me about their idea, and I told them that is something I have to be a part of. It is wonderful to celebrate the freedoms we have, and the parade is a good way for Eureka Springs to express itself.”
She agreed to help organize the event. She said she has the names of everyone who has participated in parades in Eureka Springs for the past ten years, and added, “I just need to motivate them a bit.”
Kendrick said everyone he has spoken to about the idea has been open to it. Crow stated, “It will be an opportunity for us all to come together.”