Blast From the Past at Grove Park
Gary Crain, yesteryear impersonator of Gomer Pyle, Bill Clinton, Mr. Haney from Green Acres, Walter Brennan, Jimmy Stewart, Flip Wilson, and more appeared at Grove Park in Hot Springs Village on June 12, 2022. The Searcy, Arkansas native has performed professionally in Branson, Missouri, Arizona, the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, and other resort areas in Arkansas.
Event Promoter, Crystal Robison, explained why she organized the event. “I just felt led by the Lord to do this – just to build community. I want this event to lead to future “Praise in the Park” events.
Sur-prise, Sur-prise, Sur-prise
Due to major technical difficulties with the sound system, Crain’s show did not go on as anticipated. Saying that this equipment snafu was his worst nightmare, Crain made the best of a difficult situation. Much credit to Crain for being able to work the malfunction of the sound system into his comedic routine and keep the audience laughing.
Crain said that the show was a “comedy of errors and everything that could go wrong did.” Nonetheless, Crain still performed a very realistic rendition of Gomer Pyle and Bill Clinton and sang a few old country favorites such as “Charlie’s Shoes” with Laura Ramely providing stage assistance.
The performance was a charity opportunity to support an orphanage in Uganda called, “Mafubira United AIDS Ministry.” Crain tithes to this organization and events such as the one last night help him increase his giving. An offering plate was passed.
Crain currently attends Household of Faith Church in Benton, Arkansas, pastored by Bob Joyce. In a show of support, Pastor Joyce attended last night’s performance. Click here to visit the Household of Faith website.
In a shortened performance, amid profuse apologies, Crain promised to come back and perform a full show soon. We are looking forward to seeing what this talented performer can do when he returns, including his Elvis Presley songs.
