The Union Station Band, formerly known as the Country Cousins, has been providing good, wholesome family entertainment on the third Saturday night of each month for 29 years. The Columbia County Hayride was started in March of 1971 by Johnny Sprayberry and Troy Wyrick with the help of many friends and family. Johnny and Troy and their band, the Country Cousins along with the Shine-Ons, under the direction of Mary Pate of Waldo, presented their first show as the Mount Holly Country Music Jamboree to a handful of local people at the American Legion Building in Mount Holly, Arkansas. Also performing at that first show (and many later shows) were Mr. and Mrs. Otto Crumpler of Village who provided beautiful and inspiting gospel music. Members of the original Country Cousins were Johnny and Betty Sprayberry, Troy Wyrick, Don Kennedy, Sheila Kay Jacks Pearson, Dorothy Roden, Blunt and Lavera Keith and Vic Reynolds.

As the crowds grew, seating and parking became a problem. In June of 1973, the Country Cousins moved their show to the Columbia County Fairgrounds where the show became known as the Columbia County Hayride. In December of that year the Hayride was moved to the Calhoun Community Center approximately 3 miles southeast of Magnolia, Arkansas. It was here that the band would perform for the next 16 1/2 years.

In May of 1990, at a coffe shop in Magnolia, three men began talking and from that conversation Magnolia Productions was formed. Comprising of Randy Lann, Larry Chandler and Ed Tallach, Magnolia Produtions contacted Johnny Sprayberry about moving the Hayride to Magnolia. After many hours of hard work by the Country Cousins Band, family, friends and Magnolia Productions, the dream of Union Street Station became a reality.

The Hayride moved into it's new lacation at Union Street Station in Magnolia in August of 1990 to better serve the fans. Magnolia Productions was purchased by Troy Alphin in Feburary of 2000. Troy, along with Dave Sehon, has broadcast the Hayride live on KZHE FM 100.5 since March of 1998. Troy and Dave plan to continue the Columbia County Hayride tradition for which it has been known for the past 29 years. You can meet the band here.

The KZHE Columbia County Hayride provides a wide variety of comedy and all the latest, as well as all-time favorite, country, bluegrass and gospel music. The show provides a relaxed atmosphere where everyone becomes 'just plain homefolks' as they clap their hands, stomp their feet and have a great time. You can enjoy all the fun and excitement you would expect to see at the Grand Ol' Opry in a down-home atmosphere.

Thanks to Betty Sprayberry for providing this information.