The Fordyce Civic Center was packed Saturday night (Aug. 22) to hand out legacy awards, chow down on BBQ, and to soak in a concert from rising hometown country music star, Hayden Ford.

The Fordyce Chamber of Commerce hosted the “Our Town – Our Legacy” banquet and concert. The event also included a business networking half hour.

“Tonight is more than a celebration—it is an opportunity to reflect on the people, businesses, and families who have shaped our community through hard work, service, and a commitment to making Fordyce a better place. Every one of us has been touched by someone’s legacy, and each of us has the opportunity to leave one of our own,” Chamber Executive Director Penny Brent told the crowd.

T.J. Sherer, regional director for WoodmenLife, emceed and helped sponsor the event. His team helped prepare and serve the meal. He delivered the keynote address.

“Every one of us is writing our own chapter in the story of this community. The question isn’t whether we’ll leave a legacy. We all will,” said Sherer. “The question is, what kind of legacy will it be? Will we leave behind a town that’s stronger than we found it? Will we encourage young people to dream big while remembering where they came from? Will we support local businesses that invest in our families and neighbors? Will we volunteer, mentor, and serve without expecting anything in return? Those choices become our legacy.”

A highlight of the evening were the awards given to community members and businesses past and present.

The first Leaving a Legacy Award was given to the Klappenbach family for their longtime business, the Klappenbach Bakery. From 1976 through 2011, the Klappenbach family welcomed generations of customers with the smell of fresh breads, pastries, cookies, and cakes. The business expanded as a sandwich shop and community gathering place, and it was a must-stop for statewide politicians on the campaign trail.

The Bill Whitehead family, longtime owners of the local newspaper, The Fordyce News Advocate, was also honored with a Leaving a Legacy Award. Bill Whitehead was joined by his son and daughter to receive the distinguished honor.

The newspaper started in 1884, making it one of the oldest existing enterprises in Arkansas. Bill Whitehead’s story in journalism began at a very young age. Long before he became an owner and publisher, his father hired him as a paper boy selling newspapers, stuffing papers, and learning the newspaper business from the ground up. Bill spent more than 60 years in the field of journalism, most of it at The Fordyce News Advocate.

Seymore Weathers, a 44-year veteran of the newspaper, who passed away July 29, 2026, was also given a Leaving a Legacy Award. Two of his sisters accepted the award on his behalf.

Weathers, who was honored with a memorial service earlier in the day, served as press foreman, reporter, editor, layout artist, circulation manager, and photographer for the paper. Through his photographs and his words, he documented generations of Fordyce families. He captured celebrations, accomplishments, athletic events, business and school life, and the everyday people who make the town special.

Mary Dell Harper, owner of The Jewelry Box, was honored with a Living a Legacy Award. She and her sister purchased The Jewelry Box in 1980 and have kept the business going and growing for the past 46 years. The jewelry, gift, and home decor store has been a fixture in downtown Fordyce.

Country music singer Hayden Ford of Fordyce was given a Creating a Legacy Award. His journey began with Jettway after watching friends perform during a family vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Inspired by what he saw, he told his parents, “I think I want to do that.” Although he had never performed publicly before, he auditioned and was welcomed into the Jettway family as a lead vocalist.

Since then, Ford has completed two tours with Jettway, performing at venues and events across several states, including Arkansas, Alabama, Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Hayden was joined by his mother and father in receiving his award.

He closed out the evening for the chamber with a concert that thrilled the hometown crowd.