An Arkansas community founded by Italian immigrants becomes a flashpoint over ICE

By: Antoinette Grajeda

Outlets: Arkansas Advocate

Published: July 27, 2026

Words: 1,999

Last Updated: 5 days, 5 hours ago

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A quiet, empty field near a cream church with green roofing will come alive with the sounds of summer when the Tontitown Grape Festival returns in early August.

Children lapping up melting grape ice cream cones, teens gleefully screaming on spinning carnival rides and families standing in long lines for homemade spaghetti and fried chicken dinners are hallmarks of the event, a century-long tradition and fundraiser for St. Joseph Catholic Church.

The festival …

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