Hope Advertising and Tourist Promotion Commission Holds March Meeting

Hope, Ark. – The Hope Advertising and Tourist Promotion Commission met on Tuesday, March 10th at Hope City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Sharon Caldwell and opened with a discussion on current marketing efforts in cooperation with Arkansas Tourism.

Sommer Chambers provided an update concerning permits and payments, noting that several payments routinely require a cease-and-desist order before compliance is reached.

Commissioners were also given copies of the SWARK Progress Edition, along with new relocation guides designed for people moving into the area. The professional quality of the guides was commended. And the commission was asked to consider possible focus areas of progress for the advertising.

A question was raised regarding the commission’s insurance liability involving various park buildings, particularly in cases where the commission does not hold ownership. Members further inquired about the responsibilities of the Southwest District Fair concerning those properties.

Following discussion, the commission approved replacing the HVAC system with National HVAC, noting that bids had already been received and that rising costs expected by the end of March made immediate action fiscally prudent.

The commission also discussed preparations for the 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival, including efforts to expand advertising and present a clear, complete history of the Watermelon Festival and its significance to the community, as contained in an undated brochure.

Mayor Don Still shared that the Klipsch Museum wishes to return the garden area to the commission and remove most of the fencing, except along the railroad. The museum also expressed interest in possibly repurposing the removed fencing for another project. The matter will be reviewed further at a future meeting. The mayor also relayed Klipsch’s interest in having roll‑up blinds on the west side of The Hub to prevent sunlight from interfering with evening music events. This request will be evaluated at a later date. Additionally, the commission heard that an individual has approached the city with a proposal to replace the existing wooden Downtown Hope sign, which is suffering from weather and age damage, with a faux‑wood PVC material sign. Commissioners agreed to consider the proposal in future discussions. With no further comments or business, the meeting was adjourned.