SEARCY, AR. (LP) — Get Down Downtown took place a couple weekends ago in the streets of Searcy. This community event is held once a year and takes place over the course of two days. Here people can enjoy all of what the vendors have to offer, performances that take place on the stage, whether it’s from the local schools’ cheerleaders or just singers from around the area, and the food stands that offer their great food.
One big hit of Get Down Downtown is the set up that took place for the kids in Spring Park. This area allowed kids to jump in the several bouncy houses that were inflated, partake in some karaoke while dressing up in silly costumes, have their face painted, visit a petting zoo, and have fun playing games. This area was ran by the members of Beta Club at Searcy High School.
“Beta is an academic service organization,” explains Trisha White, one of the head leaders of the Beta Club.
In this organization, only incoming juniors and seniors who are in good standing and who have a cumulative 3.25 GPA will be invited to join. Throughout the year, these students have to work and earn points to be able to attain a chord for graduation. They are given many different opportunities to work outside of school and give back to the community. Working the children’s area at Get Down Downtown was just one of the many options to choose from.
Each Beta member who signed up to participate was placed at their own station around the park. Some of these stations included working at a game, watching the bouncy houses, face painting, or engaging with others at the karaoke station. Each Beta member was responsible for collecting a ticket from each child, helping them to have fun, and then giving them a prize at the end if needed.
“At Get Down Downtown, I helped run the kids’s games. I was in charge of the bean bag toss,” comments Marlee Young, a Beta member at Searcy High School.
Just like many other of the Beta club members, Young took four hours out of her day to volunteer at Get Down Downtown and enjoyed doing it.
“I loved getting to watch the kids have fun while also hanging out with my friends,” says Young.
Not only were the Beta members and kids having a good time but so were the adults who came along.
“My favorite part is seeing our Searcy High School students out serving in the community. I enjoyed seeing the Beta kids interacting with the little kids, including my own,” comments White.
While Beta Club members got a chance to rack up their points for the cord they want to wear at graduation, they also got to help out their community and have fun while doing it.
