Westside Community Guide

T he city of Gentry is one of the hidden gems of Northwest Arkansas. Gentry is home to multiple prominent businesses, is growing rapidly with the help of the community, and offers visitors one-of-a- kind experiences that can rarely be found anywhere else in the state. Gentry was established in 1894 as a result of the incoming railroad system, and the town became a central hub for the increasing fruit-growing industry. e city was once surrounded by fruit farms including apple orchards, and small berry farms. Gentry was also a prime industry for shipping, evaporating, and canning of fruit, and was even named Orchard for a short time before renamed Gentry, aer the president of the railroad. Although it maintained an agriculture identity up until the late 1900s, the city has since grown from its fruit-producing days and now is home to multiple big businesses, as well as several small local businesses located in the historic downtown area. Gentry offers several amenities to its residents, including the Gentry Public Library, Gentry Senior Activity Center, Gentry City Park, Flint Creek, and several community events offered during the year. e library quickly grew out of its original structure and was moved to a renovated hardware store in 2007, to better serve the growing community. e Gentry Senior Center provides multiple activities and events for older Gentry residents, such as monthly dinners, painting continued on page 12 Gentry Blossoms in Northwest Arkansas By Brittany Smith | NWA Democrat-Gazette Peighton Goodman, 3, was ready to ride just before the Gentry Glow Ride event. • Photo by Randy Moll 2019 Westside Community Guide – 11 14100 Forest Hills Blvd | Hiwasse, AR 72739 | 479.787.1087 Your dream home starts here

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