The annual Beatles at the Ridge Festival will bring its signature mix of music, vintage cars, and nostalgia to downtown Walnut Ridge this Saturday. The event celebrates the Beatles' 1964 landing at the Walnut Ridge Regional Airport before traveling to Pigman Ranch in Alton, Missouri, for a brief retreat in the Ozarks.
Now a major regional attraction, the festival draws visitors from across the country. This year’s highlights include the 11th annual Abbey Road Car Show, running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The car show features five People's Choice Award categories, ranging from antique vehicles built before 1959 to modern cars manufactured in 2010 and beyond. Special categories include early classics (1960-1964), late classics (1985-2009), and a favorite truck division.
Saturday's entertainment schedule is packed with performances. A martial arts group will kick off the live acts at noon, followed by the Williams Singers at 1:30 p.m., Marybeth Byrd at 2 p.m., Memphis Jones at 5 p.m., and headliners the Liverpool Legends at 7:30 p.m. The Liverpool Legends, a Beatles tribute band, have performed at every Beatles at the Ridge Festival since its inception. Marty Scott, who performs as George Harrison, expressed excitement about returning to the event. Scott was instrumental in the festival's early days and has watched it grow into a celebrated annual tradition.
Last year, the Arkansas Parks and Heritage Commission honored the festival with its "Attraction of the Year" award, recognizing its impact and popularity. This year’s main stage performances, including the Liverpool Legends, will take place on the Cavanaugh Auto World Stage.
For more details about the festival and its schedule, visit the "Beatles at the Ridge" Facebook page.