WCEL West Washington County Directory

Whether you are driving in, walking down Main Street, or just passing through, local merchants are at the ready to help you find unique items you wouldn't find anywhere else. In addition, Prairie Grove also has several "junking" events like Junkin' in Prairie Grove and Second Saturday Trade Days that bring in thousands of people every year. Prairie Grove schools have also been seeing continued growth in enrollment the past few years. Enrollment was grown over 15 percent in the last eight years, with an almost five percent growth this past year alone. e Prairie Grove School District notes that they are above the state average in many academic areas but they do not want to stop there. ey are continually working on school improvement plans that will foster academic growth as well as an ideal learning environment for students of all ages. Prairie Grove is continuing to grow and the community is matching that growth. e city has seemingly found the perfect balance between preserving its rich history while also revitalizing to meet the needs of the growing community. While Prairie Grove may have cornered the antique market in Northwest Arkansas, this town has proven it is anything but an antique. prairie Grove Joins main Street arkansas Main Street Arkansas is comprised of a network of cities that aim to revitalize historic downtown areas. Prairie Grove has joined the Arkansas Downtown Network, which is still under Main Street Arkansas, but does not as big of a financial commitment. According to Rick Ault, chairman of Prairie Grove's Downtown Network steering committee, the city had to go through a robust application process that included an application and a formal presentation that was given to the Arkansas Main Street Advisory Board in Little Rock. Ault continued that the steering committee is made up of a group within the community who volunteered to be a part of this program, which is going to greatly benefit the entire city. Ault also said that one of the main ideas behind joining Main Street Arkansas was to preserve the city, but to also guarantee economic vitality at the same time. Becoming a part of the Arkansas Downtown Network, Prairie Grove will have access to a wide variety of services like interior designers, architects, and business planners. Dale Reed, President of the Prairie Grove Chamber of Commerce, says there are numerous beautification projects in the works to revitalize Prairie Grove's downtown. ese projects include new park benches, new trash cans, planting flower beds, and other clean-up initiatives that will revitalize the downtown area and become an even better place for residents and visitors to spend the day. Technical assistance is one of the primary incentives for joining the network and includes a variety of services. It will be provided by staff from Main Street Arkansas and could include things such as designing store fronts, business plan ideas, and renovating and upgrading store interiors and exteriors. Other cities that have joined Main Street Arkansas and embraced the full potential of its programs and offerings have seen a proven increase in local businesses throughout the town. Prairie Grove will be required to have a nine-member steering committee, maintain a minimum annual budget of $4,350 and will to have to be in the program for at least three years. ▼ battlefield State park Widely known as the only Civil War state park in the state, Battlefield State Park is more than 900 acres wide and is home to reenactments, special events, and fun days with the family. e park offers guided walking tours, self-guided driving tour, a geocache tour, as well as a virtual tour. In addition, the park has also interactive exhibits, playground, pavilions, and is home to the battlefield museum, Hindman Hall. Battlefield Park also hosts a fall festival called Night at the Museum, where the exhibits come to life aer dark. Stories from generals, medics, and civilians are all highlighted. All ages are invited to attend the event, which also features cras, games, food and drink. Anyone interested in watching history come to life shouldn't miss this amazing event. Junking in prairie Grove A destination for Northwest Arkansas' one-of-a-kind finds awaits you in Prairie Grove. Long before junkin' was popular, the historic Main Street in Prairie Grove has been a prime designation for antiques, unique shops, as well as food and entertainment. e city has most recently engaged in Second Saturday Trade Days along with a variety of community events that are boosting the community's economic impact. It ▼ attraCtions & amenities Matt Mulheran (left), a park interpreter and Molly Hutchins (right), a living history presenter, speak with park visitor Harrison Hamer of Fayetteville inside the historic Morrow House while the hands of Peggy Bowen (bottom) are visible as she works on Bobbin lace during a Spin-A-round meeting of the wool and wheel Handspinners in the latta Barn during a living History Day at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park. 20 – 2019 West Washington County Directory

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