September 9, 2025 | Hope, Arkansas The Hope Advertising and Tourist Promotion Commission convened its regular September meeting Tuesday evening (9-9) at Hope City Hall, unveiling an agenda that blends community celebration with strategic infrastructure planning. Members in attendance included Mayor Don Still, Charlton Luker, Dr. Trevor Coffee, Steve Montgomery, and Secretary Summer Chambers, all of whom contributed to discussions ranging from event planning to infrastructure improvements.
One of the most anticipated announcements came from Beckie Moore, Executive Director of the Hope Downtown Network, who previewed the upcoming Taste of Hope event scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM in Historic Downtown Hope. This year’s theme, “Taste of Hope Goes Main Street – Oh, the Places We Will Go!” promises a vibrant evening of food, fun, and fundraising. The event will feature local restaurants and eateries lining Main Street, live auctions, games, and whimsical Dr. Seuss-inspired decorations. Moore emphasized the significance of the new location and the network’s recent advancement to the Associate level under Main Street Arkansas, marking a milestone in Hope’s downtown revitalization efforts.
Parks Director Summer Chambers presented a proposal to replace outdated metal halide lighting at the K-Park Complex with modern LED fixtures from Ephesus Sports Lighting. The estimated cost ranges from $215,000 to $220,000 for materials and $105,000 to $110,000 for turnkey installation. The upgrade will cover the Lady Cat Softball Field, Hawthorne T-Ball Field, and Jack Williams Memorial Field, aiming to improve visibility and reduce injuries, which were notably reported during recent tournaments. The city previously used Musco Sports Lighting at the Kelly Complex, but the new Ephesus system promises enhanced energy efficiency and remote-control capabilities.
The commission reviewed August’s financials, reporting $72,177.86 in revenue, primarily from tourism taxes, RV park rentals, and miscellaneous sources. Compared to July’s revenue of $76,457.26, the figures reflect a steady stream of income supporting local events and infrastructure. Expenditures included salaries for Watermelon Festival staff, maintenance costs, and promotional expenses. The commission also approved a $52,905 bid from Oliver’s Custom Roofing for repairs to the Visitor Center roof, signaling continued investment in city-owned tourism assets.
Discussions also touched on the formation of a Veterans’ Memorial Committee, with several community members nominated to guide the project. While the committee was originally scheduled to meet on Thursday, September 11, the meeting has been postponed to Thursday, September 18, at 11:00 a.m. and will be held at the park, allowing for on-site planning and discussion.
Anna Powell, President of the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation, shared updates on trail development efforts aimed at connecting festival grounds to sports complexes. These improvements are part of a broader initiative to enhance accessibility and attract new residents and visitors to the Hope area. Powell emphasized the importance of infrastructure upgrades in supporting economic growth and community engagement.
In a move toward modernization, businesses can now pay their A&P tax online via the city’s website. The commission also shared comparative data from the 2024 and 2025 Watermelon Festivals.
With fall approaching, Hope is gearing up for a season of celebration and civic improvement. From the whimsical charm of Taste of Hope to the practical upgrades in lighting and infrastructure, the city continues to strike a balance between tradition and progress—ensuring that both residents and visitors experience the best of what Hope has to offer.
