It's almost Elkfest time!
It’s an event that we’ve been working on with the City of Elkins for almost a year and it’s time! The 2nd Annual Elkfest is 8am to 4pm, Saturday, Aug. 13. It’s spread across four locations and has many added attractions this year. You may have noticed that Elkins Community Network also built Elkfest its own website, elkfest.elkinsar.org.
We will continue to update the schedule on the website as more information becomes available. Please check our website elkfest.elkinsar.org for more information.
Events include:
- Car Show: 8am-11am at the Elkins Community Center
- Silent Auction: 8am-1pm in front of Elkins Community Center
- Vendor Show: 8-2 at the Elkins Community Center
- Health Fair: 8am-2pm in the Elkins Community Center
- Voter Registration Drive 8am-2pm outside the Elkins Community Center
- Pet Adoption Event: 8am-2pm outside the Elkins Community Center
- Local Food options: 8am-2pm at Elkins Community Center
- Fowlco Retrievers Demonstration: 8:30 am on the Bunch Park lawn
- EHS Band Student performance: 9:15 am on Bunch Park Lawn
- Kid Zone: 10am-4pm in Bunch Park (inflatables available at 8am)
- WCSO Dog Demonstration: 10 am on the Bunch Park Lawn
- Cybersecurity Seminar: 10 am at Elkins Public Library
- Emergency Preparedness Fair: 10am to 4 pm behind the Elkins Community Center
- K9 Demonstration: 10am on the Bunch Park Lawn
- Fencing Demonstration: 1030am on the asphalt between Bunch Park and the Community Center
- Car Show Awards: 11am at the Community Center
- Dog Show: 11am at Elkins Public Library
- Sloppy Joe Lunch and Live Music: 11am at Elkins Senior Center
- Balance Dance Demonstration: 12 noon on the Bunch Park Lawn
- Robotics Demonstration: 1pm at Bunch Park
- Swift Water Rescue Demonstration: 2pm in Bunch Park
There will also be several charity drives going on including a luggage drive, glasses donation box, toiletries donation, etc. We will share more information on the website and on social media as details are confirmed!
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Thank you to this month's sponsors!
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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
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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.
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Job Listing:
Peek-A-Boo Childcare is currently accepting applications for the upcoming school year to work 1 day per week and sub as needed. Must be 21 years of age, able to pass a background check. Must take CPR and a simple online class required by the state. Experience preferred. Must love working with children. If interested, message Teresa Graves at (479)871-9146.
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August Calendar of Events
All events listed on the ECN Calendar are open to the public.
Tuesday August 2
· Beginner Stretch Class with Danielle - Free yoga class at 6:15pm at the Elkins Public Library. Check her Facebook page for cancellations
Wednesday August 3
· Summer Robotics Program at the Elkins Public Library - 4:30pm at Elkins Public Library. Pre-Registration required.
· First Day of the Filing Period for Municipal races.
Thursday August 4
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
· Elkins Cruisers Meeting - 6pm at the Elkins Sonic - This groups meets every Thursday.
· Knitting Club - 7pm at the Elkins Public Library - All crafters welcome. For more info call Trish at the Elkins Public Library at 479.643.2904
Saturday August 6
· Arkansas Tax-Free Weekend
Sunday August 7
· Arkansas Tax-Free Weekend
· Carnivorous Plants Class - 2pm at White River Nursery
Monday August 8 *Curbside Recycling*
Tuesday August 9
· Beginner Stretch Class with Danielle - Free yoga class at 6:15pm at the Elkins Public Library. Check her Facebook page for cancellations
Wednesday August 10
· Summer Robotics Program at the Elkins Public Library - 4:30pm at Elkins Public Library. Registration requested.
Thursday August 11
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
· Elkins Water & Sewer Committee Meeting - 7pm at Elkins City Hall
Friday August 12
· EABN Business After Hours - 4:30pm at the Elkins Community Center
Saturday August 13
· Elkfest- 8am to 4pm at the Elkins Community Center, Bunch Park, Elkins Public Library, and Elkins Senior Center
Monday August 15
· City of Elkins Planning Commission Meeting - 7pm at Elkins City Hall
Tuesday August 16
· First Day of Classes for Elkins Public Schools
· 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
Thursday August 18
· Storytime at the Elkins Public Library - 11am
· NWA Food Bank mobile food bank at Elkins Community Center, 9am
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
· Elkins City Council Meeting - 7pm at Elkins City Hall
Saturday August 20
· Monthly Writing Class - 10am at the Elkins Public Library
Monday August 22 *Curbside Recycling
Tuesday August 23
· Beginner Stretch Class with Danielle - Free yoga class at 6:15pm at the Elkins Public Library. Check her Facebook page for cancellations
· Washington County Fair Opening Night. The Fair will run from Aug. 23 -27.
Thursday August 25
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
Friday August 26
· Red Cross Community Blood Drive - 1pm to 5pm at the Elkins Community Center
Tuesday August 30
· Beginner Stretch Class with Danielle - Free yoga class at 6:15pm at the Elkins Public Library. Check her Facebook page for cancellations
Wednesday August 31
· Fall Robotics Program at the Elkins Public Library - 4-6pm
· Deadline to Enter the Miss Cowboy for Tyler Queen Pageant
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View the complete calendar and submit your events at elkinsar.org or email us at info@elkinsar.org or call (479)274-0016.
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It's back to school time
Elkins Public Schools will begin classes on Tuesday, Aug. 16. The school district offers a lot of back-to-school information on their website on this page: https://www.elkinsdistrict.org/48763_1
The information includes open house dates, necessary forms, school supply lists, and bus route information. We encourage everyone to be mindful of traffic pattern changes as school begins, including more intense traffic near Fayetteville schools and the University of Arkansas. Allow plenty of time for your commute and please be mindful of children loading and unloading on buses, and school speed zones.
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City Filing Period Starts Aug. 3
The filing period for municipal races is August 3-10. Candidate packages are already available and each candidate must have at least 30 valid signatures to appear on the ballot. It is encouraged to get more than 30 in case a signature is invalidated. All the Seat 1 positions on Elkins City Council, along with the position of mayor, are up for election. People seeking signatures for public office or making door-to-door visits as part of their campaign are not required to have a solicitation permit from the City of Elkins, per city ordinance.
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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, setting up and tearing down before and after the event, and handing out fliers around NWA (needed immediately). Please contact info@elkinsar.org if you can help!
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History Corner
By Audra Bell, EPL Librarian
Ever since the removal of the railroad in the late 1930s Elkins has had few industries make a home here.
Often described as a “bedroom community,” the truth is that we are home to a large group of entrepreneurs. From baking homemade goodies in one’s kitchen to running online stores, to managing multimillion-dollar companies, the tradition of entrepreneurship in our citizens is strong.
Although the artist is unknown this tradition can be seen in this postcard from 1908. The artist offers to make 5 postcards for $.25 or $.05 per postcard. This campaign seems to be tied to a fundraiser of sorts because the artist makes note of a box supper and pie supper at Harris where one can also purchase these postcards.
Our favorite part? In the bottom left corner, it's noted: “copyright applied for”. Elkins entrepreneurs are savvy indeed.
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Elkins by the Numbers
The following numbers were reported during the July City Council meeting for what happened in June.
- Police Department: 322 Total Calls (only includes what goes through dispatch)
- Fire Department: Total Calls 68 (up from 40 same time last year)
- Elkins Public Library: 12,098 visitors, 2,739 cardholders (YTD 2022)
- District Court: 420 Arraignments, 169 Court Trials
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Emergency Preparedness Fair New to Elkfest
The Emergency Preparedness Fair is new to Elkfest this year and will feature local, county, and statewide assets with the sole purpose of preventing and responding to emergencies. Attendees will experience medical evacuation helicopters, a wide variety of rescue vehicles used by the City of Elkins Fire Dept, law enforcement organizations, and the Washington County Office of Emergency Preparedness.
Local healthcare and the Central EMS Ambulance service will also be onsite and available for interactive display. All of the vehicles are staffed by highly trained professionals who stand ready to respond to any call for help in the Elkins area.
A special water rescue demonstration will be provided by the team of military and civilian experts who routinely save lives during Search and Rescue missions statewide. The fair will also include free child identification kits and information about Elkins’ status as a Firewise Community.
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Elkfest t-shirts for sale online
Elkfest t-shirts are available for purchase online only and there are several color and style options available. The Elkins Police Department has purchased a limited number of shirts that will be available for purchase the day of Elkfest. This year’s logo is by local artist The Rustic Cub. The link to order Elkfest t-shirts is bonfire.com/elkfest2022.
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Writing Class for August
Be aware that the writing class in August is postponed until August 20 due to Elkfest. It will feature the opportunity to share your own work and receive constructive critique on the piece. This class is free and available for anyone of any writing level from age 16 (or so) and older. The class is usually on the second Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Library.
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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
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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
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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.
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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/.
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Carnivorous Plants Class Aug. 7
White River Nursery is hosting a Carnivorous Plants class with Juan from Fayetteville Fly Traps at 2pm, Sunday, Aug. 7. He will share information about carnivorous plant species and how to care for them.
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Library Storytime starts Aug. 18
Fall Storytime at Elkins Public Library will begin 11 a.m., Thursday, August 18, and will be at the same time every Thursday. The theme for the season is "Every Day is a Holiday." It will feature a different national fun “holiday” each week. For example, the first week is about National Honeybee Day.
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Elkins Community Clinic opens
A new community healthcare clinic recently opened in Elkins through a partnership with Community Clinic and Elkins Public Schools. It is available to students, faculty, families, and community members and is located at the school-based health center at Elkins Elementary School (380 N. Center St.).
The hours are 8am-4:30pm Monday through Friday and services include primary and acute care, basic labs, wellness checks, women’s health, sports physicals, immunizations, behavioral health, and telehealth. Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurances are accepted. There is also a discount program available for qualifying patients. For more information, visit communityclinicnwa.org or the school district’s website, elkinsdistrict.org.
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Community Dance Aug. 20
James McKinney and The Southern Justice Band are hosting a live music and community dance every third Saturday of the month through October. The event is 7pm-10pm at the Elkins Community Center, 162 Doolin St. Cost is $6. The August date is Aug. 20.
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Washington County Fair Starts Aug. 23
The biggest county fair in Arkansas is right here in Washington County. Founded in 1857, the Washington County Fair is hosted at the fairgrounds at 2537 N. McConnell Ave. in Fayetteville Aug. 23-27. General Admission: Cash $5, card $7.50. Children 5 and younger are free. Armbands are $30. For full information, visit https://mywashcofair.com/
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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
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Tax-free weekend Aug. 6-7
The 10th Annual Sales Tax Holiday Weekend is Aug. 6-7 in Arkansas. All retailers must participate and the tax break is only on qualifying items such as electronic devices, school supplies, school art supplies, school instructional materials, and clothing. For more details, including a complete list of qualified purchases, visit https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/excise-tax/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday on the Department of Finance and Administration website.
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Help verify drought conditions
Experiencing drought conditions? Report drought-related conditions and impacts within the U.S.
Drought conditions must be reported in order to receive assistance related to the impact of drought. Anyone can report at this link: shorturl.at/FLMQ7
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Luggage Drive for foster kids
Local travel agency Wish List Travel and Travel Advisors of NWA (TANWA) are hosting a luggage drive for children in foster care through The Call. The luggage, which can include new or gently used standard luggage or duffle bags, will help the children during their transitions between homes. The local drop-off location is 7am-8pm Monday through Friday at Tequila Grill. Donations will also be accepted at the Wish List Travel booth during Elkfest on Aug. 13.
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4H Pet Drive continues
The Elkins 4-H Club is still hosting its donation drive for Paws & Claws Animal Shelter. The donation box is at the Elkins Public Library through Aug. 12 and will be at Elkfest Aug. 13. The donations will be presented at 11:30am during Elkfest.
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Miss Cowboy for Tyler deadline Aug. 31
The Miss Cowboy for Tyler Rodeo Queen Pageant entry deadline is Aug. 31. The pageant is Sept. 23-24 and the contact is Alicia Shiner at 479.738.8856 or ashiner62@gmail.com. The pageant is part of the 4th Annual Memorial Cowboy for Tyler in Huntsville. For more information about the rodeo and the Cowboy for Tyler organization, visit cowboyfortyler.org.
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Robotics Club starts Aug. 31
The Elkins Robotics Electronics Club will begin its fall session on August 31. The Tinker Squad, for students in Grades 2 through 6 and those who are new to the club, will meet from 4pm to 5pm. Students in Grades 7 and up or who have completed the Tinker Squad program will meet from 5pm to 6pm.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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