We, the present cast and crew of the Northwest Arkansas Gridiron, recall with fond hearts the people who shared the Gridiron stage and are no longer with us: Guy Barnes — 1978–1989 shows Brenda Blagg — 1978-2021 shows Hailey Bonnell — 2004–2005 shows Mike Brown — 1979–1981 shows Dick Clohecy — 1978–1979 shows Norma Conner … More In Memoriam
Harry Dean Marsh, former chair of the Department of Journalism at the University of Arkansas and the emcee for the first Northwest Arkansas Gridiron show in 1978, died April 4, 2021, at the family home in Gallatin, Tennessee. He was 93. … More Obituary for Harry Marsh
Each year, the Northwest Arkansas Gridiron invites a civic leader of some stature to become a piñata temporarily, or as we like to call them our emcee. They have ranged from politicians who already held office to university faculty who already held tenure to journalists who already had turned in their stories for the day. … More Gridiron Emcees
Steering Committee — Brenda Blagg, Peggy Frizzell, Rusty Garrett, Ray Kanter, Varnell Lee, Donna Lonchar, Cindy Morrow, Dennis Oneal, Katherine Shurlds, David Speer, Peter Tooker, Kathy VanLaningham and Donna Whitaker Emcee — Ernie Deane Accompanist — Nova Teeter Cast and Crew Springdale News — Guy Barnes, Brenda Blagg, Mike Brown, David Lanier, Bill Rogers, Scott … More 1980 Cast and Crew
Planning Committee — Brenda Blagg, Dave Edmark, Peggy Frizzell, Kathy Hurt, Ron Hurt, Kathy Mandrell, Elena Odio, Suzy Perkins, Scott VanLaningham Emcee — Harry Marsh Piano — Nova Teeter Technical Director — Libby Rhodes Cast and Crew — Charlie Alison, Guy Barnes, Brenda Blagg, Philip Bruce, Clay Carithers, Dick Clohecy, Don Cowan, Glynda Duncan, Dave … More 1978 Cast and Crew
The Northwest Arkansas Gridiron first hit the stage — well, “stage” might be too grand a term; how about raised “sheep-auction platform” — of the Rodeo Community Center Building in Springdale on March 24, 1978. The theme was “Close Encounters of the Fourth Estate.” Here’s the lineup. Act 1 “We’re On Our Way” ♫ Cast … More 1978 Program