Eureka's tourism doing better than many others'

EUREKA SPRINGS -- Financially, Eureka Springs appears to be faring better than many areas of the country, with City Advertising and Promotion Commission (CAPC) revenues for September standing at $104,770, which is .7 percent above projections, though 2.2 percent below the same period in 2008. Overall, the September increase was a marginal .2 percent.

With the Arkansas Parks and Tourism Commission's Governor's Conference on Tourism being held at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center this week, CAPC Executive Director Jim Williams said that the commission's participation is on schedule. Break-away sessions, including one on historic preservation, are planned, with Parks and Tourism excited about the possibilities.

B.B. King concert

Williams also said an offer for a B.B. King concert at the Auditorium is secure, but the contract is pending.

Revised charges for the Auditorium were also addressed during the CAPC's Oct. 28 meeting, with a $1,000 fee for use of the balcony subject to negotiation.

Two rates will apply for use of the Gem in the Auditorium's lower level. When the Auditorium is rented and open to the public, the Gem rent will be $100 per day. When the Gem is rented and not open to the public, the rent will be $300 per day.

Additional charges for use of the balcony are needed due to increased cleaning following an event.

Online ticket sales were also addressed, with $3 added for tickets. Credit card service fees will vary based on a percentage of the price of tickets.

The Auditorium remained a topic of discussion in light of the judgement in the Jack Holly lawsuit. It was said by Commissioner Lynn Bridwell that other promoters have never been penalized for similar actions; that Holly stated that the Auditorium staff was hard to deal with; and that the executive director told Don McGuire not to worry about the situation.

Chairman Richard Grinnell stated overriding the court's judgement made no sense, and it was stated that a total of $700 has been paid. Still, forgiving the $3,000 balance was approved, with Grinnell voting no.

Sumner retained

A contract with Ron Sumner as a technical director was renewed at the same level, $40,000, unanimously, with notice made that Hot Springs pays its technical director between $57,000 and $59,000.

Discussion of the 2010 budget projects a flat line for revenue, with budgeted costs for Mayfest and Fat Tire Festival being lower.

Music in the Park will take place daily in 2010 from May through October from 3 to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. Most of the musicians will come from the Northwest Arkansas area.

Meanwhile, the Dance in the Park After Dark program will be discontinued because it has primarily entertained Eureka residents.

2010 PR funding cut

The commission plans to spend $10,000 less on pubic relations in 2010, however, writers who come to do a story about Eureka will be brought to town and taken care of.

Commissioner Joyce Zeller noted that money spent on the Auditorium could have paid for a convention center by now.

It was also stated that volunteers are needed for this weekend's Folk Festival.

The commission will meet next on Nov. 18.