In recognition of the 25th anniversary of his death, the surviving family of rockabilly and country-music legend Conway Twitty will be returning to his hometown of Helena, Arkansas on Friday, June 1 for a series of festivities around what has been officially proclaimed “Conway Twitty Day”  by Helena-West Helena Mayor Jay Hollowell, Phillips County Judge Clark Hall,  and Governor Asa Hutchinson (the latter’s proclamation is for June 5, the actual date of Twitty’s death).
 
The formal events to commemorate the day include food, the unveiling of a historical marker interpreting Twitty’s extraordinary life and career, a presentation of a key to the city, formal proclamations by representatives of Phillips County and the state of Arkansas, and remarks from members of the Twitty family. Members of the family will also be selling merchandise and signing autographs after the program concludes.
 
The event is free, open to the public, and will take place in Court Square Park (622 Cherry Street, Helena) with rain location at Beth El Heritage Hall (406 Perry Street, Helena). The event will begin at 4:30pm.
 
In addition, the following supplemental features are also on tap:
 (1) Southbound Tavern (233 Cherry Street) will be featuring live music by the Nashville-based band “Willie and the Planks” and serving half-price drinks and appetizers from 5:30pm to 7:00pm to anyone who presents a copy of the event program.
 (2) Handworks (227 Cherry Street) will be selling licensed Conway Twitty merchandise for the entire week leading up the event and will remain open late that night for those who wish to purchase merchandise after the event.