The City Advertising Tourist Promotion Commission (CATPC) met for their regular meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22.
Executive Director for Parks and Recreation, Chuck Eddington, reported the success of the Outdoor Expo and Archery Shoot. Plans are underway to schedule the event again next year. Eddington has been invited to meeting and invite additional national vendors to the next event.
Eddington went into detail with the lineup of events that don’t slow down for months. “What a Girl Wants” is another Expo happening at Creekside in February and will have around 60 vendors. April 11 is Micro Wrestling. And they hope to host a volleyball camp during the summer. Baseball, softball and soccer will keep every weekend full.
Donna Braymer reported for the City that the Harrison150 committee is underway, with plans to celebrate the City’s 150th birthday. She also reported that the Main Street Harrison Board of Directors has been interviewing candidates for a part-time director position.
She also reminded the commissioners that early voting begins on Feb. 17 and the Election is March 3, allowing citizens to delete the sunset clause.
Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Jeff Nielsen reported that the event to meet local candidates was successful. Twenty candidates were available for speaking with, and about 100 attended. This event was sponsored by the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee. He also mentioned the State of Education meeting is set for Feb. 5, that the Harrison, Bergman, and Valley Springs superintendents have confirmed, and that he’s still waiting to hear from the other schools he invited.
March 11 is the State of the City, and March 17 is the annual Chamber Luncheon. One of the Provalus executives will be the featured speaker.
Explore Harrison Executive Director, Matt Bell reported hotels had some record numbers for the Fall. September and October had some crazy numbers, and projected November and December will continue that trend. He did allude to the fact that someone has been discussing building another hotel in town, and that it is definitely needed. “With the spring and summer tournament schedule, we will be totally booked,” he said.
Restaurants were down slightly, but still setting the second highest all-time records.
A Taste of Harrison event is scheduled for March 17 and sponsored by the Rotary Club.
Fire in the Sky is already attracting new sponsors and donations, but more will be needed.
The HART Bike Club has planned a “Straight up Gravel” event and riders from Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana have already registered. A portion of one ride goes through the Buffalo River, and it is permitted for approximately 100 riders. So registration may be limited. Bell said 100% of the proceeds will go towards future trail systems.
A Summer Solstice event is planned for June 21. This Art Show will showcase area artists. It is free for an artist to sign up. They can reach out to Explore Harrison for further information.
Bell continued, “Some good news for the Creekside Amp. Two Christian artists have agreed to perform at the Creekside Amp in May. There is also a Rock concert scheduled for June, and a Country concert planned for July. These names and dates will be announced shortly.”
Events are being added weekly. So be sure to subscribe to the free Explore Harrison weekly newsletter to stay up to date on the latest events.