Welcome to Arkalalah Festival

 My family and I have spent most of our lives living in Arkansas City and we know how much the Arkalalah festival means to our city and the entire community. Arkalalah brings so much joy and happiness to everyone who attends. There is so much to do from the carnival to the street games, all 

the different parades, and the amazing food vendors provide something for everyone to enjoy. I have always believed this is the best week of the year for Arkansas City. Arkalalah represents a time where even people who don’t live in Arkansas City anymore, still find their way back to see family, attend a reunion, or just have fun and make memories. 

As chairman this year, I am responsible for picking the theme for the 94th Arkalalah festival. Honestly, this was an easy choice for me. Our great country will be celebrating its 250th anniversary this year. This year is also the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on our country. I am a proud veteran of the US Army, and I knew I wanted to do a military theme for this year’s Arkalalah. Arkansas City has a proud history of military service, and you don’t have to look far to see it. There are signs commemorating service members who have been killed in action on the highways and bridges leading in and out of our town. Arkansas City is also recognized as a Purple Heart city. This year’s theme is Salute to our Heroes in honor of our brave men and women who have defended our country for 250 years. I could 

not think of a better way to honor our country’s 250th year of independence. 

I am honored to be this year’s Arkalalah Chairman, and I hope you join me and my family celebrating the 94th Arkalalah festival, Salute to our Heroes. 

Sean Hankins, Chairman

Arkalalah Executive Committee