P. Henry Thornton, IV

We are so lucky to live here in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Two big items of interest this week are Shakespeare and the 7th annual Family Bluegrass weekend. Two completely different items but both fit perfectly here-

1) Shakespeare - Shakespeare in the Ozarks is being considered strongly by the City Parks and Recreation Commission. It has been suggested that it be placed in Harmon Park - one of our MANY great parks located within the city limits of Eureka Springs. I know Harmon Park very, very well as I take my twin grandchildren there to play in the "Green Park" as they call it. It has been named this by them as most of the playground equipment is colored green. Hopefully, Shakespeare will be approved and maybe my 4 year old twins can ask me about and experience these performances?

2) Bluegrass - This time of year is a perfect time to have an outdoor festival. It was 62 degrees when I woke up this morning and it not expected to be over the high 70's today - oh yes- I love living in the Ozarks Mountains. The Bluegrass weekend will be completely free and be performed outside as I mentioned. Here are some groups which are expected- the Cobb Family, the Williams Family, Ozark Alliance and Buffalo City Ramblers to name a few. Basin Park is another one of our great City Parks and has an Amphitheater - located in downtown Eureka Springs.

Here are two general areas that may be of interest to you - if you are in Northwest Arkansas and do not have any plans for the 4th of July weekend:

Music -

(1) The City Advertising and Promotion Commission has previously promoted free music in Basin Park on Fridays and Saturdays. The Eureka Springs Downtown Network is now joining in this endevour as well. Here are some preliminary details for this weekend- Noon till 2 is Morty and Melody, 2 till 4 is Jimmy Wells, 4 to 6 is Mountain Sprout.

(2) Opera of the Ozarks is located just outside of Eureka Springs, Arkansas at Inspiration Point. This week they are featuring Pagliacci as well as Hansel and Gretel.

Fireworks -

(1) Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, located on Highway 23 South, is having it's 12th annual Independance Day event with 4 musicans as well as a super large class 3 fireworks display.

(2) Holiday Island, located just North of Eureka Springs, Arkansas on Highway 23 North, is having it's 3rd annual fireworks display. This event will occur on the 9 hole golf course on the Island at dusk.

Please go to www.ozarkagent.com for real estate information in the Holiday Island, Eureka Springs area.

Several interesting items have happened in our little tourist town, this week -

1) The Artery was approved by the Eureka Springs City Council, after many, many weeks of discussion. The Artery is an outdoor display of of 4' x 8' panels - painted by local artists. It is managed by Charlotte Buchanan and her husband, artist James Yale. They are also associated with the Congressional District Partnership, a national non-profit organization based in Virginia.

Several of the panels were deemed controversial - with comments to that effect being made on Fox News and AOL online. Monday night's meeting of the City Council was very positive with it's approval vote.

There is no doubt, Eureka Springs, Arkansas is an arts destination. Many local as well as area people are very happy that this controversy seems to be behind us.

2) On a very sad note, a local hotel owner died in a tragic car accident in Iowa. Marty Roenigk, whom I have met several times, is no longer with us. His wife, Elise, was injured as well - but should recover. They owned the Crescent Hotel and The Basin Park Hotel. He was a visionary and a preservationist as well as a super individual.

3) I am participating the local Garden Tour of Homes this Saturday, the 27th. I will have an Open House at The Veranda Inn, which is listed for $549k. This one of a kind, Colonial Revival style home was operated as a 5 unit Bed and Breakfast. Several other properties, in the immediate vicinity of 38 Prospect, will be open as well. Time is 10 am to 2 pm.

For real estate listings in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, as well as information on Holiday Island, Berryville and the surrounding areas here in Northwest Arkansas, go to www.ozarkagent.com