Looking Ahead

Top Ten Reasons to Visit Calico Rock

The groundhog may have seen his shadow and the weather reports may still say snow but the Calico Rock/Pineville Chamber of Commerce is confident that our usual beautiful weather will return and with it lots of wonderful visitors. Arkansas, the "Natural State", is one of the few states that not only receives major support of its' economy from tourism but is continuing that growth while other states are having to cut tourism budgets. Calico Rock is fortunate to be part of the ever-growing Tourism business. It's wonderful for our community and for our local economy. We don't have to be like some TV hosts and make a joke of the Top Ten Reasons for something. We really have at least Ten Reasons for folks to visit our beautiful part of the state!

1. The river, the bluffs, the woods
2. The trout, the eagles, the deer
3. The cabin, with those amazing views
4. The Chamber of Commerce to tell you about the cabins, motels, area restaurants and the RV Park, etc.
5. Riverfest - April 23-24
6. Trout Tournament - May 15
7. Rodeo - June 11-12
8. Annual Kayak/Canoe Race - June 26
9. Old fashioned fireworks and fun - July 3
10. 50 Mile Yard Sale and Autumnfest/5k Race - AND SO MUCH MORE!

The True Spirit of Christmas

Most of us think of Christmas as a time for giving and getting gifts from family and friends, but many in this community give of their time and money to children they don't even know. This year's Toys for Tots project, sponsored by the Calico Rock/Pineville Chamber of Commerce, provided toys, clothing, and toiletries to 65 local children.

Project Chairman, David Sugg, said there's no way to thank all those who helped this year, but some went the extra mile. Thanks to seven high school Senior-SADD students for shopping for 21 children and to fifteen adults for shopping for 44 children. The local Ministerial Alliance provided the toiletries, and local motorcycle groups provided new warm clothing. There were also anonymous contributors who gave over $1000 and others who put money in the cans placed around town. To Mitchell's Pharmacy and the Family Dollar store, thanks so much for collecting so many wonderful toys. Thanks also to the Food Bank for serving as the primary point of registration for families. All told, well over 100 people contributed in some way to this year's Toys for Tots project - proving again that the true spirit of Christmas is "alive and well" in Calico Rock and Pineville.

Live Nativity

Cold, but 'cool' Nativity Scene

The Ministerial Alliance hosted the first Live Nativity at the new Pocket Park on Main St.despite the temperature working its' way to the low twenties. TACO, a group from the High School, acted as the silent members of the Nativity scene while local talent provided wonderful music.

Decorating Main St.

Each year, before most holiday activities get started, the 20/20 Group puts up lighted garlands, and the large tree of lights created by former Presbyterian Pastor Wayne Wood. Usually the weather is cold and rainy for this, but this year it certainly was cold, but the sun was bright which made everyone 'joyful'!

Pocket Park Ribbon Cutting

Usually in Calico Rock if there's one thing going on, there are several. At the same time that a motorcycle group was having a trip through the area, with participant's donating coats, hats and gloves for the Chamber's Toys for Tots, the 20/20 Group was having a Ribbon Cutting for the Main St. Pocket Park. In an earlier post you saw members of the group working on the park. These photos are of Chamber President Rebecca Greenwood and property donors, Peg and Dean Hudson cutting the ribbon to officially open the park. Group President, David Sugg said that while it will continue to be a 'work in progress', several people have already taken advantage of it to "sit a spell" as the sign says or even hold small meetings on warm fall days.

The property has been provided by Peg and Dean Hudson who actually owned the Vogue Cleaners there. The 20/20 Group, along with funds provided by Frederika Johns honoring her parents, the Silveys, took down part of the cleaner's building, adding shrubs, donated by Derrell Brown and moved to the site by Dale Ivy. Wayne Wood acting as project Mgr. supervised other plantings, a stone path and personally created the Park sign. All general labor and maintenance has been provided by the members of the 20/20 Group. For further information about the group, call 870-297-8760.

'09 Merchant's Open House

One of Calico Rock's Seasonal traditions is a Merchant's Open House. Nearly every business in town decorates or at least gets their Christmas goods out and offers goodies and prize drawings all day long. It isn't just a business day tho, it's a day for visiting with folks you don't always get to see. You take the children along and just enjoy getting into the holiday spirit with the rest of the warm, friendly folks of Calico -- and of course supporting the Chamber of Commerce philosopy of "Shop Local"!

In the photo you can see some of the Hospital Gift Shop "spread" with Mondalyn McCormick and Jimmie Lee Whitaker taking their turn as hostesses.

Calico Rock Shows Off!

We've done it again! For the 3rd time Calico Rock was asked to host a Fam Tour. These are area tours hosted by North Central Arkansas Tourism Council to show people, involved in the business of tourism, what is available in this part of the state. What makes Calico Rock/Pineville special is not just the historic town, the river or the views but the "Welcome" that the the Chamber of Commerce provides. On this visit, President Rebecca Greenwood and Derrall Brown greeted them in town; Derrall once again toured them through town ending on our beautiful bluff at the Knight's cabin. A delicious lunch, home-made soup, and sandwiches with desserts made by Chamber members helped the visitors see what was available to anyone visiting this beautiful place on the White River. Will they share this with others wanting a place to "get away" or bring their business? Oh my, yes! Arkansas is one of the few states that can claim a growing, successful tourism industry and Calico Rock/Pineville is playing a big part in that success.