What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
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40 WHAT'S UP! DECEMBER 25-31, 2022 COVER STORY It was also a record year for the Walmart AMP on several levels, Wilson says. "There was a record number of 39 shows this season. We also saw the highest attended show and highest food and beverage sales at one show; both of those happened at Morgan Wallen. "Those successes can be attributed to a couple of factors," she explains. "Touring acts hit the road in force in 2022 after almost two years off due to covid. The geographic location of the Walmart AMP, an easy drive from several larger cities and in the center of the country, makes it a perfect stop- over point for tours. The artist and patron amenities that were added in our 2020 renovation have also made the Walmart AMP an attractive venue. Those additions and the reputation that we have developed with tours and fans over the years really help keep the venue booked and busy." Serena Barnett Rogers Historical Museum This year the Rogers Historical Museum celebrated both its 47th anniversary and the fourth anniversary in its new home in the renovated Hailey Building, says its director, Serena Barnett. "Each year since opening our doors in 1975 has brought various achievements that led to our growth as an organization committed to the preservation of the history of Rogers and the surrounding region, and this year is no exception. As we near the closing of another year, I look back at all the accomplishments that RHM has had in 2022 and three words come to mind — community, collaborations, and collections." Community — The RHM community consists of not only those who live geographically nearby who are easily able to visit in person, but also those who stay connected online through social media, website, virtual programs, email newsletters, and such, Barnett says. "This community, our community, has grown in the past year to serve over 250,000 individuals! This same community also voted RHM as the No. 1 museum in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat- Gazette's 2021 Best of Northwest Arkansas contest. I want to thank everyone in this community for your continued interest and support! RHM is able to fulfill its mission 'to enrich lives through education, experience and exploration of our heritage' because of you!" Collaborations — Another achievement this year for RHM was the opportunity to collaborate with other community organizations on events and projects, Barnett says. "The biggest event was the 2022 Southeastern Museum Conference, which was held in Rogers. This was the first time this regional conference was held in Northwest Arkansas and RHM, the Northwest Arkansas arts and museum community, and the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce worked together as hosts. It was through our combined efforts that nearly 450 museum professionals from all over the southeastern region of the United States were able to experience the history, arts and culture that Northwest Arkansas has to offer. "[But] one of the project collaborations that I'm most excited about that came together this year is that RHM and city of Rogers Parks Department have partnered with the Benton County Master Gardeners to transform the museum's Hawkins House Memorial Garden into a true Victorian flower garden," Barnett adds. "As an extension of the historic 1895 Hawkins House, this project will provide an outdoor educational area where visitors will be able to have an immersive experience in a garden reminiscent of Rogers' past. … We can't wait to see this new space in bloom and share it with our community!" "One of the project collaborations that I'm most excited about that came together this year is that the Rogers Historical Museum and city of Rogers Parks Department have partnered with the Benton County Master Gardeners to transform the museum's Hawkins House Memorial Garden into a true Victorian flower garden," says RHM Director Serena Barnett. (Courtesy Photo) Moments Continued From Page 9 The Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion offered a record number of 39 shows this season and saw the highest attended show and highest food and beverage sales at one show, both at the Morgan Wallen concert, says WAC spokeswoman Jennifer Wilson. (Courtesy Photo)