Ozark Living

Events that bring residents of a community together in one place have been on the back burner in recent years. As the world has dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, communities have scaled back on public events in the hopes of limiting crowds and preventing the spread of the virus. Since 2021, such restrictions have been loosened, especially in spring and summer, as more people get vaccinated and scientists learn more about the virus, including how it's transmitted in outdoor and indoor settings. e return of spring and summer mark a great time for local leaders to add more events to their community calendars. e following are some fun event ideas that can help communities reconnect in the months to come. Cras festival e digital advertising agency NMPi noted in a report titled "Impact of COVID-19 on Arts & Cras Retail" that the rise in pandemic- related self-isolation led to an increased demand for arts-and-cras. As the world emerges from the pandemic, community leaders can provide residents an opportunity to showcase their newfound talents by hosting a cras festival. Invite established professionals to showcase and sell their wares and encourage local hobbyists to do the same. is is a great way to promote local businesses and connect residents with neighbors who love to spend time working on arts and cras. Concert series Summer concert series are fun and potentially lucrative for local businesses. A 2016 analysis of a popular local concert series in northern New York State determined that a summer concert series sponsored by the Disabled Persons Action Organization allowed more than $1.6 million to flow through local economies. at's welcome news for local businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic, and it's also welcome news for leaders who want to rebuild a sense of community in their towns and cities. Families and local residents can enjoy live music and take pride knowing that each ice cream cone, hot dog or cold beverage they buy at a concert is helping local businesses rebound from a tough stretch. Farmers market Another way to promote local businesses and public health is to host weekly farmers markets. Buying locally grown foods greatly reduces food miles, a term that refers to the distance food travels before it reaches grocery stores. Reduced food miles means less fuel consumption and reduced air pollution, both of which benefit the environment and human health. But farmers markets do more than that, as they provide access to healthy foods to individuals who might otherwise be unable to find fresh fruits and vegetables. And farmers markets support local farmers and growers, reassuring consumers that their hard earned money is going back into their own communities. Local events like cras festivals, concert series and farmers markets are a fun and effective way to foster a strong sense of community in towns and cities. Events that can foster a strong sense of community 888-419-4906 Say Goodbye to CloGGed GutterS! Call today THE ONLY ONE-PIECE COVERED GUTTER LeafGuard brand by Englert is the original and only one- piece gutter system, with a built-in hood that covers the gutter bottom and deflects leaves and other debris. This unique, seamless design keeps debris from collecting in your gutters which: • Prevents clogs from forming • Keeps water flowing freely • Eliminates leaks and the threat of water damage • Makes climbing ladders to clean gutters unnecessary 479-221-9599 | 888-419-4906 www.leafguardandmore.com Best of Northwest Arkansas the OZARK LIVInG • June 2022 • 31

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