Volume 1 Issue 5 Published monthly by the Arkansas River Valley Tri -Peaks Region Association November 2003 ARVTPR Banquet The Arkansas River Valley Tri-Peaks Regional Association held their Annual Awards Banquet recently at the Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitors Center in Russellville, Arkansas. The approximately one hundred guests attending the banquet enjoyed a breathtaking sunset over the Arkansas River, dinner, silent and live auction of gifts donated by businesses in the six-county region with Auctioneer Richard Smart and musical entertainment provided by the Southern Wind Band. Proceeds from the event will help match advertising grant funds from Arkansas Parks and Tourism. Lou Vitale, ARVTPR Board Member, presented the Charlie Johnson 2002-2003 Region Award. The Tourism Person of the Year Awards were presented to one individual or company from each county by Vicki Lyons, ARVTPR President.    The Charlie Johnson Award presented to Lisa and Kenny Vines owners of the Grapevine Restaurant in Paris, Arkansas Tourism Person of the Year Award Conway County - Beebe Huett of Morrilton Chamber of Commerce Tourism Person of the Year Award Logan County - Lori Spencer, for her work on the Mt. Magazine International Butterfly Festival at Mt. Magazine State Tourism Person of the Year Award Yell County Patti Styles, co-owner of Centerville Dragway in Centerville Tourism Person of the Year Award Johnson County - The Family of Hurley's Inc., a working ranch and retail store in Clarksville Tourism Person of the Year Award Pope County - Joyce and Marion Helton of Dover, Festival Chairmen of the Ozark Memories Day Tourism Person of the Year Award Perry County - County Judge George McNeal, Perryville       The Great Arkansas FestivalFest FestivalFest, a new promotion approved by the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission kicked off Oct. 3 in Jonesboro. It encourages consumers to travel the state visiting festivals and special events. Consumers must visit five of the 13 highlighted festivals and get a frequent festivity card stamped. Once five stamps are collected, contestants must mail the cards by Jan. 1, 2004. The promotion is supported by a partnership with Clear Channel Communications, providing television and radio advertisement, and Broadway Satellite, providing the grand prize of a big-screen, high-definition television. Cards are being distributed at Tourist Information Centers, Little Rock's Clear Channel Metroplex and participating festivals.   Tourism Numbers on the Rise   Since 1989, Arkansas has collected a 2% tax on the tourism industry. It is levied on the gross proceeds from sales and rentals of tourism-related businesses, such as hotels, motels, campgrounds, restaurants, water parks, theme parks, lake boat cruises, Oaklawn, Southland, and other tourist attractions. Over the past several months and years, what do those numbers show and what does it say about the health of Arkansas' tourist industry? Here's what the statistic show. Arkansas tourism tax collections are up 6.5% over last August. That's good news considering the three previous months were down from their counterpart months a year earlier. Tax Month $$$ - FY 03 $$$ - FY 04 % Change May 787,355 772,696 -1.9% June 966,104 936,068 -3.1% July 1,007,448 998,239 -0.9% August 800,644 852,694 +6.5% September 760,402 ?? ?? When one looks at previous years, the rise of tourism in Arkansas is apparent despite an off-year in FY 2002. While this current fiscal year shows a slight decline, state tourism officials expect the numbers to get back on track with a strong September and October. Fiscal Year $$$ - Gross Tax % Change FY 94 6,120,932 +6.3% FY 95 6,394,352 +4.5% FY 96 6,642,148 +3.9% FY 97 6,746,823 +1.6% FY 98 6,902,577 +2.3% FY 99 7,648,244 +10.8% FY 00 7,709,932 +0.8% FY 01 8,399,181 +8.9% FY 02 8,307,620 -1.1% FY 03 8,568,037 +3.1% FY 04 3,559,697 -0.1% * Year-to-date The tourism tax is deposited into a special revenues fund known as the Tourism Development Trust Fund and issued by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism to promote visitors in the natural state. talk Business MONTHLY hosted by Robby Brock LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXHIBIT AT THE ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY ARTS CENTER   Arkansas and the Louisiana Purchase traveling exhibit will be at the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center from November 2 through December 5, 2003. In 1803 a major historic happening known as the Louisiana Purchase had a profound impact on our state and our nation. When the U.S. government acquired 800,000 square miles of French territory at a price of $15 million, it more than doubled the size of the young republic and established westward expansion by settlers. The Louisiana Purchase also allowed the extension of slavery and precipitated the large removal of American Indians from their ancestral homelands. Arkansas and the Louisiana Purchase, sponsored by the Department of Arkansas Heritage, is a traveling exhibit that focuses on the geopolitical issues that led to the historic transaction. Featuring information and images related to the French and Spanish ownership of the colony of Louisiana prior to 1803, the exhibit also explores two important events resulting from the Louisiana Purchase that affected Arkansas. These include the overlooked Hunter-Dunbar Expedition of the Ouachita River region in 1804 and 1805-during the time of the Lewis and Clark Expedition-and the 1815 establishment of the initial point of survey of the lands of the Louisiana Purchase which is marked by a large stone monument located in a headwater swamp in the corner of Lee, Monroe and Phillips counties in Arkansas. The public is invited to visit any time during the month of November. This is an especially good exhibit for teachers to bring their students to visit. There is a wealth of historical information in an enjoyable atmosphere. Teaching manuals and materials are available upon request. There is no cost to attend.  Arkansas River Valley Tri-Peaks Tourist Association Vicki Lyons- President Beebe Huett - Secretary/Treasurer Board of Directors Conway County Beebe Huett --- Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce Buddy Hoelzeman --- Museum of Automobiles Karen Hofford --- Morrilton Mayor's Office Wally Scherrey --- Petit Jean State Park Johnson County Pat Kowalewycz --- U S Forest Service Vicki Lyons --- Clarksville-Johnson County Chamber of Commerce Carol Martin --- Individual Nancy Rogers --- Hampton Inn Logan County David Flugrad ---Mt. Magazine State Park Bro. Mel Stinson, OSB --- Coury House Retreat Center Lynn Wright --- First National Bank Debbie Westlake-Allen ---Paris Area Chamber of Commerce Perry County Doug Brandon --- First Electric Cooperative Tami Tanner ---Chart Bank Pope County Betty LaGrone--- ARV Arts Center Yvonda Tilley--- Boston Mountain Copper Co. Andy Thomas--- Lake Dardanelle State Park Yell County Mike Hall---Mt. Nebo State Park Jim Holbrook--- Chambers Bank Patti Styles---Centerville Dragway Carole Tackett ---Catfish 'N Lou Vitale --- ARVAC, Inc.   101 N Johnson Clarksville AR 72830 (479) 754-6453 Fax (479) 754-4923 1-800-561-6508 Email: info@arvtripeaks.com Web: www.arvtripeaks.com   Tri-Peaks Monthly Tourism Information   October tourism information for the Tri-Peaks region has been sent to 33 states and to Canada, Switzerland and France. October request totals: Web Site - 24 Phone Inquiries - 20 AR Vacation Planning Kit - 118 Visitors to WEB site - 1084 Newsletter emailed - 51 Vacations Package Clicks - Bear/Deer Hunt in "Haunted Cabin"-11 Unique Romantic Getaway -74 Petit Jean Mountain Adventure - 35 Romance the One You Love -53 Vacation Packages Purchased - 2     ARVTPR Vacation Packages ARVTPR has four packages on the Arkansas.com site a vacation package http://www.arkansashotdeals.com/details.asp?id=628 a romance package http://www.arkansashotdeals.com/details.asp?id=627 outdoor sports and adventure http://www.arkansashotdeals.com/details.asp?id=687 http://www.arkansashotdeals.com/details.asp?id=626    2003 Trail of Holiday Lights The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism is encouraging travel in Arkansas with the Trial of Holiday Lights. The campaign will run from Nov 17 to Dec 27. "Cool Yule Deals" will also be a new addition on the arkansas.com web page. Cool Yule Deals is an easy way for communities to promote their local lodging facilities, restaurants and attractions with customized holiday packages. Arkansashotdeals.com allows consumers to search the Web site by package or lodging type, region, city, keyword or date. For more information on how to participate, contact Sarah Harper at (501) 682-7602. Calendar of Events November - December 2003  Centerville Nov 1-2 Centerville Dragway Pro & Street Combo Clarksville Nov 6 Hurley Arena - Feed Lot Sorting Practice Nov 7 Junior Auxiliary Chili Supper 5-7pm CJHS Cafeteria Nov 8-9 Hurley Arena AR High School Rodeo Nov 10 Hurley Arena -Team Penning Nov 11 Hurley Arena - Barrel Series 4-D- Exhibition & Race Nov 13 Hurley Arena - Feed Lot Sorting 754-5555 Nov 15 NBHA Finals Barrel Race - 754-5555 Nov 15-16 Annual Merchants Christmas Open House Nov 17 Hurley Arena -Team Penning Nov 18 Hurley Arena - Barrel Series 4-D-Exhibit ion & Race Nov 22 Hurley Arena Beef Master Sale Nov 24 Team Penning practice Nov 24 Annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony Nov 25 Hurley Arena - Barrel Series 4-D- Exhibition & Race Nov 28 Early Bird Sale 7:00 pm Nov 29-30 Hurley Arena Heartland Tour Barrel Racing Finals Dec 6 U of O Children's Theater presents "Peter Pan" Dec 6 Christmas Parade Main Street 6:30 Dec 7 U of O Choir Lessons and Carols; Raymond Munger Memorial Chapel Dec 13 Chamber Talent Show U of O Morrilton at the Rialto every 3rd Friday 7pm Friday Night Pickers Nov 1 KALEIDOSCOPE LIVE! AUCTION benefiting Southern Christian Home. Kay Strait 354-2428 NOV 2 Rialto Gallery Opens and Art Exhibit Reception NOV 2 Happy Tymes Jazz Bank Concert - Rialto Nov 3 Annual Chamber Banquet NOV 25 Rialto Art Exhibit Closes DEC 4 Annual Christmas Parade, Christmas in the Park opens / Night of Luminaries at UACCM. 354-2393 Mt. Nebo State Park Nov 1 November Night Skies over Nebo Nov 7-8 Mt. Nebo Hotel Days Dance Dec 6 Victorian Christmas Open House Petit Jean State Park Nov 28-30 Petit Jean Mountain Rendezvous Dec 6 Christmas Open House Mather Lodge Russellville Nov 1 Evening with Elvis Hughes Center Nov 2- Dec 5 Louisiana Purchase Exhibit Art Center Nov 11 Veterans Day Parade Dec 4 Christmas parade downtown Russellville Dec 4-28 Downtown Tinsel Town Festival Dec 5-6 13th Annual Arts & Crafts Christmas Sale Subiaco Nov 5 Phil Bordeleau, Organist, St. Benedict Church Dec 3 Walter Auditorium, An evening of Delta blues Dec 14 Annual Festival of Advent/Christmas Lessons and Carols Service, St. Benedict Church   Historic Groundbreaking The Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Heifer International Global Headquarters is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 29. Former President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Sen. David Pryor, D-Ark., are expected to attend. The $13.9-million Little Rock Headquarters will be adjacent to the Clinton Presidential Library and Park. Heifer provides food, income-producing animals and training to millions of poor families in 115 countries, including the U.S. Travelin' Arkansas Events for November The Eureka Springs Food and Wine Weekend will take place Nov. 7-9. Restaurants throughout the town will feature special menus complemented with fine wines. Admission varies and reservations are required. (888) 855-7823. The Arkansas Arts Center has two celebrations in honor of the holiday season. The Artament Bash will be held Nov. 9 in the center's atrium from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission for non-center members is $15. Arts Center members will be admitted free and will receive a 20% discount on all items. The annual Toys Designed by Artists exhibition is one of the Arkansas Arts Center's oldest traditions, having been around for 31 years. This year's edition will take place from Nov. 28 to Jan. 4 in the Winthrop Rockefeller Gallery. Emily Fraize at (501) 396-0308. Camping Petit Jean State Park This weekend is designed for first-time campers, campers who don't want to camp by themselves, people without equipment, or simply people who want to have a great camping experience with park staff. The Traveling Education Nature Trailer will be used to provide you with your tents, sleeping mats, cookware, etc. The $20 per person fee will be used to cover meal expenses. The November 8, 2003, weekend will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and conclude at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Advanced reservations are required.(501) 727-5441 The seventh annual Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends drive-through holiday lights festival at Pine Bluff Nov. 18-Dec. 31 will include a 50-foot-wide leaping leopard as one of eight new illuminated creations. The park entrance is located at the intersection of U.S. 65-B and Regional Park Drive. The Lights of the Delta Christmas display at Blytheville will feature a John Grisham theme with six million lights backing it up. "A Painted House" will be depicted with 24 characters and images taken from Grisham's best-selling novel about life on a northeast Arkansas cotton farm during the 1950s. The lighting display will be erected on 40 acres at the Aeroplex, just northwest of downtown. It will be open Nov. 21-Dec. 27. (870) 763-2525 The first annual Ozark Folk Center's Homespun Holidays will be held at the park in Mountain View, Nov. 27-29. Special holiday concerts will be staged in the Music Theater each night at 7:30 p.m Also, each Saturday in November through December 20, the Folk Center will sponsor free holiday craft workshops with local artists sharing decorating ideas.(870) 269-3851 The Ozark Mountain Bluegrass Festival and Christmas Arts and Crafts Show will take place Nov. 29-30 at the Fort Smith Convention Center. Five bluegrass and gospel bands will perform Saturday, Nov. 29. More than 200 artists and craftsmen will gather to show and sell unique handcrafted wares, handcrafted clothing, jewelry, quilts, candles, Christmas decorations, wood crafts, wood furniture and more. The craft fair will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. Admission is free. 888-404-7478 The Rogers Historical Museum's 4th annual Holiday Open House will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 30 to mark the start of "A Patriotic Christmas in the Hawkins House," a Christmas exhibit that will run Nov. 30-Jan.3. Admission is free. The museum is located at 322 S. Second St. (479) 621-1154 The annual Wings Over the Prairie Festival hits full stride in downtown Stuttgart on Thanksgiving weekend, a real duck will be hard pressed to get a quack in edgewise. The festival, to run this year from Nov. 22-29, will include eight duck-calling competitions, capped by the 68th World's Championship Duck Calling Contest to be held at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 29. (870) 673-1602 or (870) 673-7001. Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism     ARKANSAS FALL  COLORS To keep visitors informed regarding the progress of fall color, the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism has a network of color spotters in every region of the state each fall that have volunteered to supply weekly updates. The 2003 fall color reports are available at http://arkansas.com/calendar/fall_foliage_pg1.asp The reports describe foliage changes in these three regions: northwest/north central Arkansas (Ozarks), central Arkansas/Ouachita Mountains, and southern/eastern Arkansas. The Arkansas State Park Recreation & Travel Commissioners met in Hot Springs in September. Marketing The commissioners approved the 2003-2004 Annual Tourism marketing plan as presented at the meeting. Commissioners were impressed with the new creative targeting a younger audience. Travel & Win The pontoon boat from the Travel & Win game was presented to the winners, Andy and Carolyn Westbrook of Benton. Mt. Magazine State Park The Mount Magazine State Park Program Committee updated Commissioners on the status of the cost estimate of the proposed lodge and cabin project. The Commission directed staff to continue working with the architect and the contractor to arrive at the guaranteed maximum price of the project.     Arkansas Quarter The U.S. Mint officially released the "Arkansas Quarter" on Tuesday, October 28, 2003 in Murfreesboro. Dortha Scott of Mount Ida designed the Arkansas quarter. Her design incorporated several elements representing the state's landscape and economy. They include rice, a duck and a diamond. Begun in 1997, the U.S. Mint's commemorative coin program calls for five states to be featured each year for a 10-year period. The states are featured in the order they were admitted to the union. The Arkansas quarter is the 25th state quarter to be released. The Arkansas quarter will be in circulation for at least 20 years. There are between 650 million and 750 million quarters produced for each state.   .