By Karen Rice
For many cultures , wreaths represent notions of eternity , continuity and memory . The circular shape symbolizes the circle of life , or eternal life . Within the military , wreaths carry special layers of meaning : victory , bravery and peace .
The Wreaths of Remembrance contest was established at the 2023 Benton County Fair in remembrance of Paul Newell . Newell was a military veteran , Benton County Sheriff ’ s Office Detective and a Benton County Fair volunteer who tragically lost his life while escorting the Wreaths Across America motorcade in 2022 .
Wreaths of Remembrance was established to pay tribute to our everyday heroes .
Sixteen wreaths were entered in last year ’ s inaugural contest , honoring late husbands , grandfathers , dads and family members .
The wreaths were judged and displayed during the fair week . Afterward , three wreaths honoring military members were donated to the Arkansas State Veteran ’ s Home in Fayetteville . Others were donated to the Benton County Sheriff ’ s Office , Gravette Police Department and Bentonville Fire Department .
Is there someone special you want to remember and honor who served our country as a military veteran , law
enforcement officer or a firefighter ? You can make a memorial wreath and enter in the 2024 Benton County Fair .
Each person can enter up to three wreaths , one in each of the classes : military veteran , law enforcement and firefighter . You may enter in one of three divisions : adults ages 20 and up , youth ages 9-13 or youth ages 14-19 .
Following the fair , wreaths will be returned to the exhibitors for them to remember and honor the person they made it for . Or wreaths may also be donated and will be taken to a veteran ’ s hospital or the Benton County police and fire departments .
At the bottom of the article add : For more information see page 43 or email bcfairremembrance @ gmail . com .
2024 Benton County Fair 22 120 Years - 1904-2024