It has been a long time in the planning, years actually, and on Friday it becomes a reality: Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs celebrates the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.
Dozens of the state's finest athletes and coaches will spend a day at the races and then be on hand at a reception for pictures and autographs in Horner Hall at the Hot Springs Convention Center. The cost is just $25 and includes hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
The winner of every race that day will be presented his trophy by a Hall of Famer, starting with Kevin McReynolds, a two-time baseball All-American at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, who was drafted with the sixth pick of the first round by the San Diego Padres in 1981.