One of Arkansas’ oldest Veterans of Foreign Wars posts is preparing to celebrate a major milestone as VFW Post 3543 marks its 90th birthday with 3 days of activities, special guests, live entertainment, veterans recognition and family fun October 16-18, 2026.
The celebration will take place at VFW Post 3543, located at 1989 Heber Springs Road North in Tumbling Shoals.
Stephanie Lemons, canteen manager for VFW Post 3543, shared details of the celebration during an interview with ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations.
According to Lemons, the post is the seventh-oldest VFW post in Arkansas and was originally established October 17, 1936, in Heber Springs.
The organization later relocated to Tumbling Shoals, just north of Heber Springs, where it continues serving veterans and the surrounding community.
Lemons said the upcoming celebration recognizes 90 years of the post’s existence and its continued commitment to veterans.
“We are the seventh oldest VFW in the state of Arkansas,” Lemons said.
She explained that the weekend celebration will be open to the public and will offer something for veterans, families and residents throughout the region.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 — SENATOR TOM COTTON AND LIVE MUSIC
The 90th Birthday Bash begins Friday, October 16, at 4 PM with a program featuring special guest speakers.
Scheduled speakers include U.S. Senator Tom Cotton, VFW National Council Member Marcus Davis, Arkansas VA Deputy Secretary Colonel Wayne Ruthven and additional guests.
Lemons said the Friday afternoon program will bring together veterans, community members and invited speakers to recognize the significance of the anniversary.
Following the speakers, dinner will be served beginning at 5 PM.
Friday night’s entertainment will feature Nashville recording artist and military veteran Stephen Stone, who is scheduled to take the stage at 8 PM.
According to Lemons, Stone is a veteran himself, making his performance particularly meaningful for the anniversary celebration.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 — FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND VETERANS APPRECIATION
Saturday, October 17, marks exactly 90 years since VFW Post 3543 was established.
The post will host family activities from 10 AM until 2 PM.
Lemons said the daytime celebration will include bounce houses, vendor booths, lunch, snacks and a magician.
The Humane Society is also expected to bring animals for visitors to see during the family activities.
The activities are designed to bring the community together and offer entertainment for children and adults.
Saturday evening will feature a special Veterans Appreciation Dinner beginning at 6 PM, along with recognition of post members.
The dinner provides an opportunity to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces and recognize their contributions.
The evening continues at 8 PM with live entertainment by No Bed of Roses.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 — FAMILY FUN AND GREERS FERRY LAKE POKER RUN
The celebration continues Sunday, October 18, with another round of family activities from 10 AM until 2 PM.
Visitors can enjoy bounce houses, vendor booths, snacks, food and additional family entertainment.
At 2 PM, a poker run will begin.
Lemons said the poker run will travel around the Greers Ferry Lake area before participants return to VFW Post 3543 for another dinner.
The Sunday event will help bring the 3-day anniversary celebration to a close.
90 YEARS OF SERVICE TO ARKANSAS VETERANS
According to Lemons, VFW Post 3543 traces its history to October 17, 1936, when the post was established in Heber Springs.
Now located in Tumbling Shoals, the post continues to provide a gathering place for veterans and community members.
Lemons said the post’s designation as the seventh-oldest VFW in Arkansas makes the 90th anniversary especially significant.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a national veterans service organization dedicated to assisting eligible military veterans, supporting veterans’ benefits and encouraging community involvement.
Local VFW posts also offer opportunities for veterans to connect with one another, participate in activities and serve their communities.
For Post 3543, the upcoming weekend provides an opportunity to celebrate its history while welcoming families and the next generation of community supporters.
Lemons emphasized that the celebration is open to the public.
The post is inviting residents from Tumbling Shoals, Heber Springs, Greers Ferry, Fairfield Bay, Clinton, Searcy and surrounding communities to help recognize 90 years of history and service.
COMPLETE EVENT SCHEDULE:
VFW POST 3543
90TH BIRTHDAY BASH
OCTOBER 16-18, 2026
LOCATION:
1989 Heber Springs Road North
Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16:
4 PM — Special guest speakers, including U.S. Senator Tom Cotton, VFW National Council Member Marcus Davis and Arkansas VA Deputy Secretary Colonel Wayne Ruthven.
5 PM — Dinner served.
8 PM — Nashville recording artist and veteran Stephen Stone performs live.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17:
10 AM–2 PM — Family activities featuring bounce houses, vendors, food, snacks, a magician and animals brought by the Humane Society.
6 PM — Special recognition of members and Veterans Appreciation Dinner.
8 PM — No Bed of Roses performs live.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18:
10 AM–2 PM — Family activities, vendors, food, snacks and entertainment.
2 PM — Poker run begins, traveling around the Greers Ferry Lake area before returning to the post.
Following the poker run — Dinner at VFW Post 3543.
For the complete event information, see the VFW Post 3543 anniversary announcement.
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