It was in early 1990 when Glen Eades came over for a visit. We sat on my back porch, and he proceeded to tell me his idea for a festival centered around purple hull peas.

Little did we know in 1990 that Glen’s idea would grow into one of the most famous and award-winning of all the festivals in Arkansas.

We hope you enjoy our little town, and its unique and fun PurpleHull Pea Festival & World Championship Rotary Tiller Race. An amazingly large number of people from Emerson and the surrounding communities – all volunteers – come together to make it all happen for your enjoyment.

Emerson’s lone skyscraper – the water tank – has our town’s motto on its side: “The Biggest Little Town in Arkansas.” Come to the festival. We think you’ll agree.

Mayor Joe Mullins

(Fortunately for us, Mayor Mullins took Glen’s idea and ran with it. He called a meeting, got the festival organized and set things in motion. Through the years, he made sure the festival continued to progress. Still deeply involved, he has, among many other things, served as chairman of the Million Tiller Parade each year. He is also one of the many amateur or “ham” radio operators involved with the festival. His ham call sign is N5PNB.)