What is Spirit of America?

“Spirit of America” has become a respected tradition on the CRC Campus. “Spirit of America”, which occurs each April, is CRC’s Premier Community Event. Hundreds of Paragould residents and other college supporters are drawn to the campus for this very special evening of food, fun, fellowship and tribute. The “Spirit of America” has four main purposes:

Presentation of the “Spirit of America Award.” This award is presented to a local individual who has demonstrated an extraordinary level of community service and involvement over the years in Paragould and Greene County. Award winners over the past four years have been Joe Wessell, Orland Crail, Bill Fisher, and Evangeline Cothren. The 2008 “Spirit of America” Award Winner is Bill Brewer. A presentation will be made at this year’s event on April 18, 2008.

“Spirit of America” brings a nationally recognized celebrity to Paragould to speak or perform. The long list of notables who have come to Paragould for the “Spirit of America” includes: Paul Harvey, Art Linkletter, Jerry Clower, Howard K. Smith, Jody Powell, Julius “Dr. J” Irving, Oliver North, Judge Roy Moore, S. Truett Cathy, and Gene Stallings. Paul Harris, nationally known award winning Branson comedian, will be featured at the 2008 “Spirit of America.”

“Spirit of America” is a night where we pause from our regular activity and Pay Tribute to this Great Nation. We celebrate the greatness of living in America and hope that all of those who attend leave with a higher level of gratitude, thankfulness, and appreciation for this great community and country in which we live.

“Spirit of America” serves as CRC’s major Scholarship Fundraiser. Individuals attending are treated to a nice meal and evening of great entertainment. CRC’s Institutional Scholarship Fund provides approximately $250,000 each year in scholarship funds to deserving students to let them fulfill their dream of a college education. Our goal is to raise $30,000 for CRC’s Institutional Scholarship Fund at this year’s “Spirit of America.”

Please make your plans now to attend “Spirit of America” on the Crowley’s Ridge College Campus on Friday, April 18, 2008.

Paul Harris to be Featured at
2008 “Spirit of America”

Paul Harris, nationally known award winning Branson comedian, has consented to perform at this year’s “Spirit of America” to be held on the CRC campus on Friday, April 18, 2008. Paul’s performance will bring rip-roaring humor for your entertainment pleasure.

Paul has previously performed with the Pierce Arrow Show and for several years had his own theatre and show, The Paul Harris Show, in Branson, Missouri. In 2008 Paul’s show can be seen at the Clay Cooper Theatre in Branson. With over 100 shows and many personal appearances during the 2008 season, Paul will be an extremely busy entertainer.

Paul Harris is no stranger to comedy. At the age of 15, Paul got his first job as comedian at the White River Hoedown in Mountain View, Arkansas. It was while playing “Chester P. Drawers” that Paul first developed his love for making people laugh. As the son of a horse trainer, Paul attended horse shoeing school when he was 21. In 1994 a call from the Texas Goldminers prompted him to look at entertaining once again. He moved to Branson to appear with the Texas Goldminers and was later recruited to perform with the Pierce Arrow Show. During his time performing in Branson he has twice been voted as Branson’s Comedian of the Year.

Paul Harris is a top line performer with exceptional talent. For years his show has been labeled as “one of the best” in Branson and a “must see” for visitors. Paul is noted for his charming smile and on stage charisma. He has the gift of comedic timing and an instinct of knowing what would work and what wouldn’t. As Paul’s career progressed, he realized more and more that entertaining was where his deepest satisfaction lay. He absolutely loved making people laugh until their sides hurt.

Paul Harris is a perfect fit for “Spirit of America” and we are delighted that he is performing at the 2008 “Spirit of America.”

To purchase tickets, send your check and ticket request to:
Spirit of America
Crowley’s Ridge College
100 College Drive
Paragould, AR 72450

Or Call: Ken Hoppe, CRC President
Art Smith, Vice President for Development
Sherylette Winn, Administrative Assistant
870-236-6901 or 800-264-1096

Tickets can be mailed or delivered to you.