HOPE, AR — The Hope Tourist & Advertising Promotion Commission held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, to address key community development contracts, approve important changes to Visitor Center staffing, and review preparation efforts for upcoming summer events.
Beckie Moore, Executive Director of the Hope Downtown Network (HDN), thanked the commission for the first-year support and presented the organization's year-in-review, highlighting a series of successful downtown revitalization initiatives following the Main Street four-point approach.
During the past year, HDN secured several grants for building remodeling and the retail business incubator program. Moore’s report also spoke on the success of the Taste of Hope event and completed projects that included the installation of a third mural in Pocket Park and the completion of the Checkerboard Alley project, just to name a few.
Next month, HDN enters the second year of its three-year associate-level contract with Main Street Arkansas, with the goal of achieving full designation by the end of the term. Following the presentation, the commission voted unanimously to renew its $10,000 contract with the Hope Downtown Network.
Summer Chambers, Parks Director and Tourism Secretary, updated commissioners on recent operations, beginning with an incident of vandalism on the Amtrak side of the building last week. A rock was thrown through the upper portion of the facility, breaking three high windows. Repairs are estimated to cost $1,500, and the commission intends to seek restitution as the local police department continues its investigation.
Staffing also took center stage, with the commission discussing the vacancy of the weekend attendant role. To stabilize operations, the commission approved transitioning current weekday employee Sonia Solomon to a full-time position instead of keeping two part-time positions. Solomon, who is bilingual, was praised by Chambers and the board for her exceptional work in keeping the facility clean and welcoming. Under the new plan, the Visitor Center will operate Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. During the slower winter months, Solomon may assist the Parks Department with other municipal maintenance needs.
Additionally, the commission discussed plans to begin selling Hope-themed merchandise—including watermelon shirts, postcards, insulated mugs, and t-shirts—directly out of the Visitor Center to generate tourist revenue. Chambers will bring formal merchandise proposals to the next meeting.
In other business, festival updates were announced. Preparations for the upcoming Watermelon Festival sports tournaments are already seeing strong engagement. Chambers noted that 83 teams have already registered for the festival's softball tournament, more than double the sign-up rate typical for this point in the year. Organizers are making plans to possibly utilize Legion Field, Northside Fields, and other local parks to accommodate the crowd.
Another update Chambers shared with the commission is that the Veterans Memorial Committee is actively seeking sponsorships to offset project costs. The committee is scheduled to meet on-site on June 16 to take final measurements.
