David “Bubba” Powers and Ed “Too Tall” Jones – Photo by Jesse Evans (More photos below)
Historic Washington was bustling Thursday night as people poured in from all over to attend the Roast and Toast of Representative David “Bubba” Powers in the 1940 Gymnasium. The event was sponsored by the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope Foundation to honor Powers who is retiring from the Arkansas state legislature this year due to term limits.
The night started with a champagne reception in the Historic 1874 Courthouse where people mingled in the packed hallway as they enjoyed chilled drinks. Bubba and other notable guests made their way through the crowd and made introductions.
Among the guests were members of the Arkansas State Legislature, executives from SWEPCO, retiring US Representative Mike Ross, and the biggest hit of all, renown Dallas Cowboys defensive end and Super Bowl Champion Ed “Too Tall” Jones who flew in to attend Powers’ roast.
After the reception the guests moved in to the gym where tables were set for the dinner. Town & Country Catering catered the event and students from the UACCH nursing program waited tables, serving the food and refilling the drinks while members of the T & I Club at UACCH provided valet parking for the event.
Once the main course was finished and dessert was served, UACCH Chancellor Chris Thomason took to the podium to get the laughs started and introduce the roasters.
The roasters and toasters included SWEPCO President Venita McCellan-Allen, Hope Mayor Dennis Ramsey, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Representative Johnnie Roebuck, Arkansas Democrat Party Chairman Will Bond and Bubba’s lifelong friend and former TV co-host Judge Randy Wright.
The laughs echoed throughout the gym as the speakers had fun at the expense of Bubba and others in attendance. They shared both funny and heartfelt personal stories about their experiences with Bubba, thanking him for all he’s done for them, their businesses, and the community.
Once the roasters had their say, it was time for Bubba to give his rebuttal of the roasters and he didn’t pull any punches showing that he was capable of giving as good as he got.
Among Powers accomplishments while in office he played an important role in getting the SWEPCO Turk Power Plant built in Hempstead County. Although he is retiring from the legislature, being replaced by newly elected Representative Brent Talley, hewill continue in his position as the the Juvenile Intake Officer for Hempstead County.
