Lum & Abner still a go

by Trey Youngdahl

There have been a few rumors in the air that the annual Lum & Abner festival may have met its doom, but it appears as though the event will still be a go.

The March 7 meeting of the Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission was called to order at 5:02 p.m. After roll was called, parks director Phillip Lance spoke about soccer at Tapley Park. Lance commented that this was his best year for soccer to date, having over 250 kids signed up to play. There was discussion about the new scoreboards, which are provided by Aleshire Electric.

They will also be taking baseball teams, looking to hopefully have the same attendance as last year. 2021 was also Lance’s best year to date, having nearly 400 kids. This may be dampened by Cossatot River School District, as they have announced that they are not bringing any teams.

Lance also spoke about new hire Scott Sharp, the new tennis court pad, new gravel and bumpers for the parking lots. There was approval on new uniforms, a temporary fence at Tapley Park, a new spray rig for the four-wheeler, and a new fuel tank and fuel pump.

A&P Administrator Pasha Watson gave reports on budget and web statistics. Watson also announced that she has continued planning for the Lum & Abner Festival. An application has been made for the Arkansas Department of Heritage, Parks and Tourism (ADHPT) grant, which offers $2,000 for advertising for the 2022 event.

Watson also announced that the 2024 eclipse town hall is scheduled for April 6 at 3 p.m. and a report was given for the digital advertising campaign.

A&P Chair Rick Chrisman mentioned a grant for the bike trail project was likely on its way, even citing the parks director he spoke with at the Governor’s tourism conference. But, as they haven’t yet been approved it, it’s too early to make an announcement.

Due to space being limited at Mena City Hall, Chrisman proposed Watson’s office be moved back to the Train Station Depot. This would also allow constant monitoring of the visitor’s center. The decision to move Watson’s office was supported by fellow board member James Earl Turner, who moved to approve the change. It was seconded by board member Brooke Hines.

An events committee was scheduled, then the meeting then adjourned.

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