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The City of Berryville will officially kick off its 150-Year Anniversary celebration during its City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 3, launching a year-long series of events and activities to commemorate the community’s rich history and bright future.
Incorporated in 1876, Berryville earned its name after Blackburn Henderson Berry won a coin toss over Arthur Baker to determine the town’s name — a historic moment that will be re-enacted as part of this year’s Founder’s Day celebration. Trey Berry, Henderson State University chancellor and a member of the original founding Berry family, will participate in this special commemorative coin toss.
The sesquicentennial celebration will span from March through the annual Christmas parade in December, featuring more than 30 events woven throughout the 2026 community calendar.
Long known for embracing its heritage under the theme “Where History Meets Progress,” Berryville will honor its past while celebrating continued growth and opportunity by recognizing those that have helped build the foundation of this great community.
The 150-year logo also reflects the city’s theme “Where History Meets Progress.” The logo contrasts the old courthouse and the new pavilion on the square as well as the Berryville Community Center. It is further depicted with the city’s founder, Blackburn Henderson Berry, as a pioneer and current Mayor Tim McKinney with an iPhone. Berryville’s rich agricultural heritage is exhibited in the presence of chickens and cows in the design.
“With this being our 150-year anniversary, it is a great time to recognize Berryville,” McKinney said. “We are in a great position to celebrate with all the new businesses and the growth happening in our community. We hope our citizens will take full advantage of these opportunities by participating in all of the activities and events throughout the year.”
Sesquicentennial Signature Events and Highlights
New and commemorative activities are being added specifically in honor of the Anniversary, including: • Builders of Berryville Awards Celebration — This special evening will air live on KTHS and serve as the pinnacle event by honoring and recognizing more than 40 local businesses that have served the community for more than 50 years, with six of those having served Berryville for more than a century.
• Founders Day Celebration – A representative from the Berry family will participate in an event that will feature a re-enactment of the historic coin toss that determined Berryville’s name.
• Hanby Lumber 170Year Celebration — Recognizing the seventh- oldest business in Arkansas, was established in 1856, before the Civil War.
• Saunders Museum 70-Year Anniversary – Recognizing Berryville’s historic gun museum.
• Anniversary Celebrations Integrated Across 30-Plus Events – Anniversary themes and recognitions will be incorporated throughout the year’s scheduled events partnering with the Berryville Community Center, Second Saturday activities on the historic square and other community activities.
The celebration will also mark several significant milestones in 2026, including ribbon cuttings by the City of Berryville for:
• The grand opening of Messer in the Berryville Business Park
• The new Berryville Library • The new Berryville Cemetery Pavilion Additional City of Berryville ribbon cuttings will be announced as they are scheduled throughout the year.
City officials emphasize that the anniversary is intended to be a true community-wide celebration, inviting businesses, civic organizations and residents to participate. Contests, special events, and collaborative activities will reflect the prestige of the Sesquicentennial while engaging citizens of all ages. Several businesses have already come forward with activities that they are planning as part of the city’s anniversary campaign.
“What has made Berryville so special for over 150 years has always been our people,” economic development director Dean Lee said. “We’re excited to celebrate our rich history and highlight some of those businesses and individuals that helped shape this great community with its growth and progress since it was founded in 1876.”
Sponsorship Opportunities Available The city will be soliciting sponsors for its year-long celebration campaign, offering extensive marketing and advertising opportunities throughout 2026 featuring more than 30 event exposures. Sponsors will receive recognition across multiple mediums and platforms, including video boards, display boards, banners, social media, radio and print plus other exposure opportunities.
A special invitation- only “Night at the Museum” sponsors kickoff reception, hosted by the mayor, will officially launch the sponsorship campaign. Sponsors will also be featured with the Anniversary logo and recognized throughout the year’s events and activities with their logo or name placement.
For more information about events, sponsorship opportunities, or how to get involved, contact Dean Lee at 870243-0800.
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