Diversity Weekends, sponsored by Out in Eureka, has grown into one of the larger and more visible events in Eureka Springs bringing large numbers of visitors to town for activities like the Public Display of Affection (PDA) in Basin Park, live music around town, drag queen bingo and live performances at the Aud.
Diversity Weekends began in the 1990s before there was a Pride event in Northwest Arkansas. These weekends served as a time where the LGBTQ+ regional community could get together for the weekend.
In 2017, Jay Wilks took the lead of organizing and operating three Diversity Weekends a year in April, August and November. Organizing Diversity Weekends and other events has been a labor and love and also heavy lift for Wilks, director of Out in Eureka, who has worked with a group of business owners to find a way to grow Diversity Weekends into major events.
“In April of 2017 for Spring Diversity, no one showed up for the PDA in the park,” Wilks said. “I was appointed by the business owners and residents to head up Diversity Weekends. I had no clue what I was doing, but I made calls to friends who work on other pride events across the U.S. and Europe. I have learned that to be an event promoter, you have to work with every venue and business. You have to earn their trust. Diversity Weekends do not belong to one person or to one business. Diversity Weekends belong to the community.”
Wilks said Eureka Springs has always been a welcoming town. One reason is that people who come from smaller cities and even some of the larger cities feel safe in Eureka Springs because of the residents and their reputation of welcoming people.
Wilks said a major step forward was when he met with City Advertising and Promotion Commission Director Mike Maloney who suggested that to justify advertising support from CAPC, it was important to take surveys of the visitors brought to town by the events.
“Out in Eureka is the only organization to conduct surveys to collect information on the events to present to the CAPC to obtain funding,” Wilks said. “Our surveys ask visitors where they are from and how many nights they were staying in Eureka. We have been able to document some significant impact from good room nights in the past. I’ve had very positive feedback from hotels, restaurants and gift shops. Things slowed down during the pandemic but are starting to pick back up.”
The CAPC has been very helpful providing $5,000 for promotion of the events. Wilks said the Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce has also been supportive.
The events have also attracted a lot of free publicity in magazines and newspapers in the U.S. and other countries. Recently Out in Eureka received non-profit status that allows the organization to attract grants and receive donations that are tax deductible. A board of directors is in place for an umbrella organization called Diversity in the Ozarks.
“The board is diverse and represents Eureka Springs in a very positive light,” Wilks said. “For many years, I have been wanting to get a board and the 501(c)3 status done and now we have it. This will allow me to step back and help as needed. I am thrilled about the new board for Diversity in the Ozarks/Out in Eureka.”
The newly formed organization’s first decision was to discontinue Summer Diversity. The premise was that August is the hottest month of the year making outdoor events like the drag show in the park challenging at best, and potentially dangerous with heat emergencies. The group also saw the newly formed Pride Weekend in June as a better match for a summer event. Next weekend, August 1-3 will be the last sweltering Summer Diversity Weekend in Eureka Springs.
“Since we moved to Eureka Springs, I have wanted more diversity in Diversity Weekends,” Wendy Reese Hartmann said. She is chief experience originator and co-owner of Gotahold Brewing, one of the business owners involved in creating the nonprofit.
The nonprofit’s mission statement is “You build an inclusive community for LGBTQ+ people. Through our Diversity Weekend celebrations in Eureka Springs, AR, we provide entertaining and educational events that celebrate diversity, promote acceptance and create a sense of belonging. We are committed to advancing equality and human rights for all LGBTQ+ individuals.”
Hartmann said she is excited because of the volunteers who are already showing up and getting involved covering all aspects of the rainbow. She said they can now better focus on education, outreach and advocacy in addition to entertainment and community building.
Ethan Avanzino, a member of the new board who is co-owner of the Wanderoo Lodge and Gravel Bar, said an advantage of the board is that more hands equals less work for any one person – additional volunteers help lighten the load. And more voices of diversity can be at the table.
“As LGBTQ+ community has grown, I think it is important to acknowledge to create spaces for other people,” Avanzino. “One goal is to intersect more with people of color in these events and celebrate in all aspects of diversity, and not just LGBTQ+.”
This year’s Summer Diversity will be a “paired down” version with only the PDA In the Park event happening at Basin Spring Park from 12:15-12:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 3 with the traditional distribution of leis. No performances or vendors will be in the park. Local venues will host events such as Drag Queen Bingo at Brews on Saturday, August 3 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. New Delhi, Gravel Bar, Missy’s White Rabbit, Gotahold Brewing and Chelsea’s are also hosting events.
The organization is currently seeking volunteers as well as individuals to join in the planning of future Diversity Weekends. To get involved, go to tinyurl.com/OutInEureka-Volunteer and fill out the form. To see the full schedule of events.