If you want anything done in this town, call Nancy Paddock. Nancy is a longtime resident and mover and shaker who has her finger on the pulse of this tiny town.
An artist, writer, poet, activist, gardener and social organizer, Nancy has spent her time organizing countless events and parades (Putting together the Folk Festival, the Elk Street Church House Concerts and heading the Eureka Springs Chapter of Indivisible).
Many of you probably know her or at least been served by her at Sparky’s, where she has been a server for 31 years.
- How did you arrive to Eureka Springs? I was living in Blue Eye in the early ‘70s and moved to Fayetteville to start at U of A when my good friend Jayne passed away. Jayne’s sister who was living in Blue Eye got custody of her kids, so I moved to Eureka Springs to be closer to them. I didn’t have a car and was hitchhiking. Eureka Springs took 30 minutes off my trip to go help out and I’ve been here ever since.
- What talent would you like to possess that you don’t have? Music – to be able to play music or sing. I guess that’s why I love booking music and taking care of musicians.
- Which historical figure do you most identify with? I really can’t think of anyone. I’d like to be like Katharine Hepburn, but I don’t identify as her.
- Which word or phrase do you misuse the most? “Alright” – I use it way too much and it drives some people crazy.
- As a political person involved in local, state and national movements, are you optimistic about the November 3 Blue Wave? Yes – I believe that people are finally waking up to the current administration, and I’m hopeful that everyone will vote who can, and those who voted Red in the past will stay home.
- What six people dead or alive would you like to invite to your dinner party? – Katharine Hepburn, Ann Richards, Dorothy Parker, John Lennon, Richard Feynman and local legend, Lester Armagost.