Are you ready for Elkfest?
Elkfest is less than six weeks away and we are beyond excited about how it’s shaping up! Hope you will join us August 13.
It starts with the car show, silent auction, and vendor show at 8am, all of which will be at the Elkins Community Center. The day will end with the Emergency Preparedness Fair, which is 10am to 4pm at the Community Center and Bunch Park. Let’s highlight the two anchor events then we will give a rundown of the many other amazing things we have planned!
You will be able to find complete information at elkfest.elkinsar.org.
Car Show/Silent Auction
Both of these events are to support the Elkins Police Department’s Shop with a Cop program. The police are working with Elkins Cruisers for the car show and Mary and Jim Cope for the silent auction.
The Car Show is a huge part of our Elkfest festivities. Last year's show had over 100 entries! We hope to see just as many entries this year and we have expanded our prize categories so that we can recognize a few more winners. Categories include Truck, Pre 60s, 60s to 70s, 70s to 80s, 80s to 90s, and 90s to Current. Registration forms are available on the Elkfest website or picked up in person at Elkins City Hall.
Sponsor Midland Industrial Services is sponsoring prizes for Best of Show ($1,000), 2nd place ($500), and 3rd place ($250). There will be trophies for each of the individual vehicle categories. Registration 7 - 8am, Display 8am - 11am, Awards given at 11. Registration is $25 per entry.
The silent auction will begin at 8am and end at 1pm. All items must be picked up by 2pm.
Emergency Preparedness Fair
This event is new this year and is just one part of creating a community of preparedness. It will feature activities and emergency vehicles you can check out! This event will be 10am to 4pm behind the Community Center. The fair will include two aircraft, a mobile command center, a water rescue truck, a ground ambulance, an armored vehicle, Elkins water tank truck, Elkins Fire Department booth, Child Identification Kit booth, K9 demonstration (10am), and a swift water rescue demonstration (2pm).
Other events
We will have a total of five locations with a variety of events: Vendor show (8am-2pm), health fair (8am-2pm), Kid Zone (10am-4pm), dog show (11am), cybersecurity seminar (10am), sloppy joe lunch and live music (11a.m), food trucks (TBD), Home Run Derby (11am), Kickball tournament (11am), Dog adoption fair (8am-2pm), various presentations and demonstrations (10am-2pm), and live music!
Stay tuned for more information on the Elkfest website!
|
|
|
Thank you to this month's sponsors!
|
|
|
Sponsorships help make what we do possible. If you would like to sponsor a future edition, email us at info@elkinsar.org or visit elkinsar.org
|
|
|
|
We’ve revamped our Classifed Ads to focus on helping business and nonprofits connect with people needing jobs. Our job opening spots will be due at the same time each month as the display ads. They are $10 and up to 300 words. For more information, visit our media guide for sponsorships.
|
|
|
July Calendar of Events
All events listed on the ECN Calendar are open to the public.
Tuesday July 5 *Delayed Trash Pick Up*
· Beginner Stretch Class with Danielle - Free yoga class at 6:15pm at the Elkins Public Library. Check her Facebook page for cancellations
Wednesday July 6
· Summer Robotics Program at the Elkins Public Library - 4:30pm at Elkins Public Library. Pre-Registration required.
Thursday July 7
· Summer Reading Program for Elkins Public Library - 11am at Elkins Community Center
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
· Elkins Cruisers Meeting - 6pm at the Elkins Sonic - This group meets every Thursday.
Saturday July 9
· Monthly Writing Class & Critique Group - 10am at the Elkins Public Library. More info in newsletter.
· Mayfield Mercantile Summer Craft and Boutique Show - 10am to 4pm
Sunday July 10
· Herbal Wisdom Class - 2pm at White River Nursery
· FBCE VBS begins (through July 15) - 6:30pm at First Baptist Church of Elkins
Monday July 11 *Curbside Recycling*
· Elkins Public Library board of Directors Meeting - 7pm at the Elkins Public Library
· First Day of VBS at Richland Baptist Church - 6pm-8pm
Tuesday July 12
· Beginner Stretch Class with Danielle - Free yoga class at 6:15pm at the Elkins Public Library. Check her Facebook page for cancellations
Wednesday July 13
· Summer Robotics Program at the Elkins Public Library - 4:30pm at Elkins Public Library. Registration requested.
· Elkins Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting - 6:30pm at the Elkins Public Library Community Room
Thursday July 14
· Summer Reading Program for Elkins Public Library - 11am at Elkins Community Center
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
· Elkins Water & Sewer Committee Meeting - 7pm at Elkins City Hall
Saturday July 16
· Red, White, & Shoes Bash - 10am to 2pm at the Rogers Activity Center. More info inside.
· Community Dance - 7pm to 10pm at the Elkins Community Center
Monday July 18
· Elkins Planning Commission - 7pm at Elkins City Hall
Tuesday July 19
· Elkins Community Leaders Meeting -8am at Nellie B’s Bakery
· Elkins 4-H Meeting. - 6pm. Email 4h@elkinsar.org for more info
· Elkins School Board Meeting - 6pm at the Elkins School Administration Building
· Beginner Stretch Class with Danielle - Free yoga class at 6:15pm at the Elkins Public Library. Check her Facebook page for cancellations
Wednesday July 20
· Summer Robotics Program at the Elkins Public Library - 4:30pm at Elkins Public Library. Registration requested.
Thursday July 21
· NWA Food Bank mobile food bank at Elkins Community Center, 9am
· Summer Reading Program for Elkins Public Library - 11am at Elkins Community Center
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
· Elkins City Council Meeting - 7pm at Elkins City Hall
Saturday July 23
· Harry Potter Movie Night at Bunch Park with themed concessions for sale from the Elkins Public Library and Nellie Bs
Monday July 25 *Curbside Recycling
Tuesday July 26
· Beginner Stretch Class with Danielle - Free yoga class at 6:15pm at the Elkins Public Library. Check her Facebook page for cancellations
Wednesday July 27
· Summer Robotics Program at the Elkins Public Library - 4:30pm at Elkins Public Library. Registration requested.
Thursday July 28
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
· Elkins Quarterly All-Committees Meeting - 7pm at Elkins Community Center
Saturday July 30
· Round Mountain Community Church Backpack Giveaway - 9am at the Elkins Community Center
August 3 - 10 :
· Filing period for all municipal elections. Packets available at the Washington County Clerk’s office in Fayetteville
Friday August 12
· EABN Business After Hours - 4:30pm at the Elkins Community Center
Saturday August 13
· Elkfest
Friday, August 26
· ECN Blood Drive - 1pm-5pm at the Elkins Community Center
|
|
View the complete calendar and submit your events at elkinsar.org or email us at info@elkinsar.org or call (479)274-0016.
|
|
|
|
Ways to Serve: Elkfest volunteers
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities leading up to and during Elkfest (Aug 13)! We will need help directing traffic during the event, set up and tear down before and after the event, and handing out fliers around NWA (need immediately). Please contact info@elkinsar.org if you can help!
Ways to Serve: Help ECN
Elkins Community Network has a growing list of volunteer needs to help us make a difference in the community. Our most immediate need is help folding newsletters every month and possibly distributing them to specific locations around town. We also need help with event planning, updating our registries, and content creation (video, writing, and basic graphic design). Please contact info@elkinsar.org if you can help! You can do as little or as much as you want…any reliable help is appreciated!
|
|
|
History Corner: Library celebrating anniversary
By Audra Bell, EPL Librarian
 Did you know the Elkins Public Library is having an anniversary? This July, the library will be celebrating it’s 12th year in our current building. Our library has been serving this community for 35 years.
Starting as a branch of the Ozarks Regional Library in 1987, we opened our 400-square-foot space with around 200 books. As the town grew and subsequently property tax revenue grew, the library was able to greatly add to it’s collection, participate in the county interlibrary loan, become a municipal library, and add public access computers.
In 2000, the library moved to the Elkins Community Center using an 1,100-square-foot area. After the library installed broadband and more computers, the need for more space became evident. The library board and staff started the process of planning and building a new building behind Chambers Bank next to the elementary school.
In July of 2010, the library had officially remodeled and added to the former city hall building and opened to the public with 4,000 square feet and a price tag of just under $500,000. Collection space doubled and for the first time, the library had a community room and staff room. At this time, the library’s plan is to continue this growth pattern and increase our services to better service our community.
|
|
|
Fireworks allowed through July 5
A quick reminder that personal fireworks can only be used 8am to 11pm through July 5. Please remember to be courteous of your neighbors!
|
|
|
Medical Arts creates community program
By Payton Hanby, Community Health Worker (pictured)
Medical Arts Pharmacy has partnered with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation in the community.
Through this program, titled Project REACH, we were able to hire a community health worker in April of 2022, Payton Hanby, to help with outreach into the local communities and facilitate the spread of accurate and reliable information about vaccines (both COVID-19 and routine), as well as assist with vaccination efforts.
We look forward to continuing to serve both our Fayetteville and Elkins communities and being a source of good information about you and your family's health.
|
|
|
Harry Potter Movie Night July 23
In honor of Harry Potter's birthday, the Friends of the Elkins Public Library is partnering with the City of Elkins Parks & Recreation Committee to host a themed movie night in the park. On July 23, community members are invited to attend a showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone at the Stage in Bunch Park. The evening’s concessions (including themed Cookie Decorating kits from Nellie B’s) will be a fundraiser for the Friends organization. In addition to themed snacks, we will have wand making, a photo booth and lots of fun! Activities and concessions start at 7:30 pm, and the movie will begin around 8:30 pm. This is going to be magical! Harry Potter Movie Night is part of the City of Elkins 2022 Outdoor Family Fun Series, made possible by support from Black Hills Energy, the Elkins Lions Club, Home Light, and Popped Perfect. For more information about the series, visit elkins.arkansas.gov/residents/outdoorfun
|
|
|
Filing period starts Aug 3
The filing period for all municipal races is August 3-10. There will be three seats on the Elkins City Council that will be up for election and also the office of mayor. You can get an election packet from the Washington County Clerk’s office in Fayetteville.
|
|
|
July/August Writing Class topics
Anyone age 16 and older is welcome to attend the monthly writing class offered at the Elkins Public Library in partnership with local author Linda Rigsbee. The next two classes will be 10am on July 9 and August 20. Participants are asked to bring some of their own writing to have discussed.
|
|
|
Mayfield Mercantile July 9
The Mayfield Market Summer Craft and Boutique Show will be 10am to 4pm, Saturday, July 9. There will be local food trucks and more than 40 vendors. The event is at 20815 Pug Gayer Road in Fayetteville (close to Goshen).
|
|
|
Library seeking input on classes
We are partnering with the Elkins Public Library to plan community classes, especially for local businesses. There have been lots of suggestions, but we need help determining what topics are of greatest interest. It would be incredibly helpful if you would complete this Google form to provide your input: shorturl.at/fovAS
|
|
|
Blood Drive Aug. 26, survey for future drives
The next ECN-sponsored blood drive is 1pm to 5pm, Friday, August 26, at the Elkins Community Center. You can sign up for an appointment on this website. Walk-ins are welcome, but an appointment helps us know how close we are to our goal.
We offer these blood drives every two months and would love more participation. We know Saturdays would likely be a popular day, but that is not an option due to staffing. It would help a lot if you completed this short survey for us about the blood drives: shorturl.at/ahjxN
|
|
|
Fall sports survey
The City of Elkins is gauging interest in a fall baseball/softball league for kids. They are asking that people complete this survey to provide your input: shorturl.at/stEXY
|
|
|
Business After Hours Aug. 12
Our next quarterly Business After Hours will be a little different as it will be at 4:30pm, Friday, August 12 at the Elkins Community Center. This is right before the Elkfest Vendor Show vendors will be setting up their booths, giving them time to participate. If you are interested in sponsoring the Business After Hours, please contact us at info@elkinsar.org.
|
|
|
First National Bank of North Arkansas rebrands
First National Bank of North Arkansas has announced they will be transitioning from a National Charter to a State Charter after regulatory approval from the Arkansas State Bank Department, and changing their name to Bank of 1889.
Bill Hudspeth, CEO of FNBNA, said “The decision was not an easy one as the bank has had a National Charter for over 100 years but we believe this change will benefit our customers and our service to you. Our new name Bank of 1889 represents the fact that we have been a locally owned institution since 1889 and we plan to continue to provide the same level of superior customer service and great products that have made us successful for over 130 years. The bank has weathered many national crises occurring within its lifetime, without loss or major inconvenience to its
customers.”
Hudspeth went on to add “Ownership, management, and staff of the bank will not change and customers will not be affected. They will be able to continue using their existing checks, debit cards, and other branded forms until they receive the new rebranded items. You will also see new signage go up over the course of the next several weeks.”
The bank has ten branches in six counties in North Arkansas and the employees own 45% of the bank through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
|
|
|
Elkins Cruisers return
Long-time Elkins residents may remember the Elkins Cruisers group. After an estimated 15-year absence, the club is back! The Cruisers meet 6pm every Thursday at the Elkins Sonic. Car enthusiasts from any era or car model are welcome. The Cruisers are also helping with the Elkfest Car Show and organizer Tim Henretty said they hope to eventually do cruises. For more information, contact Tim at 479.409.1467.
|
|
|
Elkins memorabilia available through ECN
Would you like a commemorative Elkins t-shirt or mug? We worked with local graphic artist Nichole Williams at The Rustic Cub to create Elkins-themed merchandise that celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the Elkins one-lane bridge.
You can order two different size mugs and several different styles and colors of t-shirts from our website. ECN will receive a portion of your purchase to support our programs. Because of how the fundraising program works, mugs and shirts must be purchased separately.
We’ve bought some for our families and love the merchandise! Be aware that the T-shirts do run a little bit small so if you are between sizes, we suggest going up. You can purchase from our website support page (where we also list several other ways to support Elkins Community Network). That link is https://elkinsar.org/support/.
|
|
|
Road construction on Mt. Olive
You may have noticed that there is road construction on going on near the one-lane bridge on Mount Olive. According to the Washington County Road Department, they are redoing the shoulders and doing a new overlay. Once they are done, there will be one foot of additional shoulder on each side of the road. This repair is being done to improve the road’s safety. The entire project is expected to be complete by mid-July or so. Please allow extra time or find another route in the meantime.
|
|
|
Backpack program begins July 5
The annual back-to-school backpack giveaway from Round Mountain Community Church is back this year. The program is for K-12 and it includes backpacks, food, games, clothes, haircuts, and inflatables. Preregistration begins July 5 at www.rmccofnwa.com. The giveaway event is 9am, Saturday, July 30 at the Elkins Community Center.
|
|
|
Herbal Wisdom class July 10
White River Nursery is hosting a “Herbal Wisdom” Class at the nursery 2pm, Sunday, July 10. Participants will be learning from life-long herbalist Janice Neighbors about growing herbs, how to use them, and how to use them. Refreshments will be provided. No registration is necessary.
|
|
|
Red, White, & Shoes Bash
On July 16, from 10am to 2pm at the Rogers Activity Center, join the Teen Action & Support Center and OASIS of Northwest Arkansas for their 2nd Annual Red, White, & Shoes Bash. This is a free family fun event supporting local teens and children with new pairs of shoes, school supplies and more!
They have 500 free pairs of shoes to giveaway in limited sizes. First 200 to register will be entered for a $200 gift card. Register at: red-white-and-shoes-bash.eventbrite.com
|
|
|
Water Bill Assistance
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program is a free, federally funded program that offers up to $2,000 to help qualified low-income households pay their residential or wastewater past-due balances. For more info arkansaslihwap.com
|
|
Job Listings Now Available
We are trying to build the new job listings section on our website but we need your help! We can’t list jobs from local businesses that we don’t know about. So, if you are a local business or know a local business that is hiring, this information is for you. We offer free job listings on our website and there is a $10 charge if you want it posted in our monthly newsletter (both print and digital). Please email your job listings to info@elkinsar.org and indicate if you want it on the website or website/newsletter.
|
|
ECN Sponsorship Rates
We fund our ongoing programs through sponsorships in three forms. See details for each at elkinsar.org
Job Listings $10
Advertise your job openings directly to our community. Text only. Appears in both forms of the newsletter and on the website.
Display $25/50
Available in Business Card or Double Business card size. Will appear in both print and email newsletters and on our website.
Blog Article on Website $60
Informative and educational article with insights into your industry. Article featured as a blog on our website.
|
|
Check local calendars for changes to events
We try to be as accurate as possible with our calendar information, but sometimes schedules change. For the most up-to-date information, check our events calendar on our website at elkinsar.org/. City of Elkins events can be found on the city website at elkins.arkansas.gov. Elkins School Events can be found on the district calendar at elkinsdistrict.org. The Senior Center also publishes a monthly newsletter with its menu and activities that can be found at aaanwar.org/locations/detail/1426
|
|
Do you have a business, local organization, church, or youth activity that people need to know about? We have a directory for that! Please submit your organization to one of our directories or email us at info@elkinsar.org or call (479) 274-0016 so that we can spread the word about everything going on in Elkins.
|
|
|
|
|
|
