Jacqueline Wolven, director of Main Street Eureka Springs, told commissioners she needed help with their publication 21 and Fun, which is distributed by front line workers at businesses and lodgings in town to guests to inform them of upcoming entertainment and other events.
Damon Henke, also representing Main Street Eureka Springs, asserted 21 and Fun was an economic development tool because it drove guests to local sites and provided a comprehensive list of downtown music. Henke said in the past ads paid for the guide, but some buyers dropped out and others did not pay, plus there are new owners not in the loop yet, and the result is less support for the publication.
Wolven asked the CAPC for $8900 annually to float the project.
Commissioner David Mitchell asked since the CAPC was putting up a considerable amount for Chip Ford’s Eureka Springs app which supposedly would have the same up-date-information, if supporting the 21 and Fun was not a duplication.
Ford responded that Main Street Eureka Springs was targeting the specific goal of listing all the nightlife. He said he had added a link to their site, and though his app would probably have the same nightlife information, it would not be concentrated like 21 and Fun.
Commissioner Terry McClung was okay with putting the request on the next agenda, but did not like the fact that businesses were no longer supporting it.
Wolven said she was hoping for the best visitor experience possible, and Mitchell was still confounded by the CAPC suddenly being asked to support something that ought to be covered by Ford’s app.
Chair Susan Harman said her guests are thrilled to see the 21 and Fun, but agreed they should discuss supporting it at another workshop.