The Harrison City Advertising Tourist Promotion Commission (CATPC) Board of Directors met Thursday morning, August 22.
Mayor Jerry Jackson gave an update on the Electronic Vehicle Chargers that was discussed again during the City Council meeting Thursday night.
“We’ve spoken to a reputable company who believes the city’s cost will be $60,000, but that will be paid back in revenue within one to two years,” Jackson said. “This grant from the federal government is an incredible opportunity. We have discovered we must place two of them on a major highway. They are high-speed chargers that will charge a battery in about 30 minutes. Each unit has two charging stations. So we are looking at having a total of eight stations provided by this grant.
Chuck Eddington reported to the CATPC that he is finalizing the details for the matching grant that will provide an all-inclusive play area at the Sports Complex. “It won’t be as large as Wonder Willa, but similar.
Eddington also reported they are setting up tournaments for 2025 at Creekside. “We plan to have three events monthly, and that still leaves room for convention space or concerts.”
Acting president of the Chamber of Commerce, Mike Nabors addressed the board. “Several years ago, we had several groups trying to do their own thing – we called it silos. I believe we can say now that groups are working together. We heard a report from Retail Strategies on their recommended five-year plan for Harrison. The Downtown Strategies Committee is going through those recommendations during the next six weeks and will present a report to the citizens after that.”
Nabors was also very pleased with the recent Boone County Leadership Institute (BCLI) alumni gathering. “This organization has been in existence for 36 years. As I looked at the names on the list and the people in the room, many of them hold leadership positions in their company or the community. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our citizens.”
Explore Harrison executive director, Matt Bell reported there were some delinquencies and payments concerning the taxes owed from restaurants. “We are working with those businesses who are behind and if necessary, we can resort to asking the city to turn off their water.”
Kyle Strain, assistant director of Explore Harrison, reported that the dates for the Corvette Club coming to Harrison are approaching quickly. “We have 80 cars registered and more than 158 participants. This will be Friday night and Saturday. A meet and greet is scheduled at Wood Chevrolet on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Saturday, judging will begin at 10:30 at the Courthouse Square. The Awards Ceremony will be held in the Historic Lyric Theater.
Explore Harrison office manager Renee Swanson reported that the Arkansas State Hot Air Balloon Championship Races has 18 pilots signed up, three of whom are brand new to the Harrison event. “There is only room for two more pilots and two more vendors.”
The team has diligently mapped out sections and found ways to make the event work smoother for citizens. The helicopter rides and the petting zoo are returning. For the tethered rides, tickets will be available in advance for a VIP price of $100, capped at 25 people. General tethered ride prices are $15.
During the time before balloons will inflate, Grandma’s House will sponsor a kite-making and kite-flying event.
Live music featuring National Park Radio and 7 South will be presented from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Visit ExploreHarrison.com for more detailed information and schedules.
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
