Diamond Level Partners

Having grown up as a lifelong resident of Arkansas City, I've always looked forward to Arkalalah each year. Some of my fondest childhood memories are with my grandparents, attending the street games, eating pork burgers, and riding carnival rides. My parents have continued these traditions, and I hope to carry them on with my own grandkids someday. I've experienced the Arkalalah festivities in numerous ways: as a child, as a parent with my own kids, and now as a member of the executive committee, which has deepened my appreciation for this festival. 

Having looked through the previous 92 themes, coming up with a fresh one was no easy task. I noticed that the 1950s and 60s hadn’t been highlighted much, and I thought that era would make a great theme. Although Happy Days is the name of an old TV show, I feel the name perfectly captures the spirit of Arkalalah. It's a time for reunions and creating memories with family and friends. Seeing people enjoy the carnival, food, numerous parades, street games, and coronation—these are some of our happiest days, and we celebrate and embrace them together as a community. For me, it represents some of my happiest memories.

I am honored to be this year's executive committee chairman. I hope you will all enjoy this year's theme: Arkalalah Happy Days.