On March 20, 1976, Johnny Cash Day in Arkansas was declared by proclamation issued by then-Governor David Pryor. The festivities began in Kingsland, where Johnny Cash and his family boarded the special train SL&SW Cotton Belt and rode to Rison. When the train arrived, he was greeted by a large crowd, spoke briefly, received the key to the city, and served as Grand Marshal of a parade that traveled along Main Street to the Rison School. Some accounts estimate that more than 20,000 people attended the day's events in the county, including 10,000 at the Johnny Cash concert held on the school's football field. The concert took place on a special stage erected for the performance, with Johnny joined by his wife, June Carter Cash, his band, and the Carter Sisters. He opened with "Ring of Fire" and "Ragged Old Flag," followed by many Cash standards and train songs including "Ridin' on the Cotton Belt." Johnny donated all concert proceeds to the Cleveland County Historical Society for preservation of the Pioneer Village in Rison, and he also donated his special concert suit, which for many years was displayed in the County Courthouse.