Eureka Springs Downtown Network supporting independent businesses

Starting Thursday, August 16, visitors and locals can pick up stickers that are their ticket into the fun at the Farmers Market, Chamber of Commerce and participating lodging. The events all start at Basin Spring Park, in the heart of downtown Eureka Springs, for the next six weeks from 5 -- 7 p.m. Each week a different aspect of shopping, playing and dining will be showcased in the park and the participating stores downtown. Local vendors will have booths and prizes in the park, live music, and maps of where the deals for real locals and "Locals for a Day" are that night.

Is eating in Eureka Springs more your style? We have you covered there, too! Diners can ask participating locations for a Ticket to Win each time they dine out during the six-week promotion. Diners bringing their tickets during the festivities in Basin Spring Park on Thursday nights will be entered to win the Eat Like a Local Prize, gift certificates for all of the participating locations. This is a mega prize! The more you eat out, the more times you can enter! A winner will be chosen on September 20 at the last Let's Get Local event in Basin Spring Park. This contest is open to everyone, whether you actually live here or you only dream of moving here.

Let's Get Local Thursday Evening Events include:

* August 30 -- "We Love Our Pets" - In collaboration with the Good Shepherd Animal Shelter, we will have an Adopt-a-Thon, Stupid Pet Tricks contest, Pet Portraits, groomers, trainers and more. Bring your puppies to play in the park during the Dog Days of Summer.

* September 6 -- "Countdown to Xmas shopping!" We will highlight the holidays and the shopping experience in Eureka Springs. Looking for a gift for any occasion? Eureka Springs has what you are looking for at our more than 200 independent retail locations. Kids games, home organizers, gift products: All will be showcased in the park.

* September 13 -- "All Sports!" - Get your game on and come play in Basin Spring Park. Eureka Springs is an active town filled with go-carts, golf pros from Holiday Island, biking, spring hikes, and more. Lace up your shoes, bring the kids and come play in the park!

* September 20 -- "Food + Art" - Celebrate the beauty of dining and shopping for food in Eureka Springs and the arts during this evening event featuring the band Swing and a Miss, a sweet potato pie contest, food art contest, drink & draw in the park and more. We will also be awarding the Eat Like a Local Prize at the end of the evening.

"Shop local programs are an important part of any Main Street program," said Eureka Springs Downtown Network Executive Director Jacqueline Wolven. "We were looking for a twist and knew that when people visit Eureka Springs, they often want to know where the locals eat, play, sip and shop. The Let's Get Local program does that and celebrate the locals loving their town, too. "

More events, vendors and programming is being added as the weeks go on. Full event information will be available at http://eurekaspringsdowntown.com.

For more information, contact the Eureka Springs Downtown Network at 479-244-5074 or email director@eurekaspringsdowntown.com.