Among the servers were representatives from Powell’s Grocery, Hiro Hiro, Amigo Juan’s, Little Teapot Bakery, Hebrews 11:1, Hope Donuts, Tailgaters, The Melon Patch and Big Mac’s Barbeecue.
As patrons dined at other tables set up along East Second Street, they could hear music being played from the Pocket Park where a paint-by-numbers mural was being colored in by anyone who felt the call from their artistic side.
Comers could also get Mock-tails at the Downtown Network headquarters on South Main. At about 7:00 p.m., began a Style Show, in which models showed off fall apparel from a variety of clothing stores in town, including Little Things: The Children’s Boutique, Factory Connection, Martin’s, Kelly Girls Design Studio, Vintage Girls Boutique, Ray Tays & Gypsy Laundry. Holli Boyette, Executive Director of The Call, narrated the show.
John Hollis, Downtown Network past-president welcomed all to the event. “One of the things that the Hope Downtown Network works toward is trying to not only revitalize downtown, but also to preserve the historic integrity of our city,” he said. “That's very important. I just want to thank you for being here tonight and for participating in this. We hope this is the first of many events to come, as we try to bring some some new and innovative ideas to Hope and fund some projects that we want to see in the downtown area.”
An auction was also held, officiated by City Director, Downtown Network member, Caney Creek Mobile Home Park and SWARK.Today part-owner Mark Ross, that raised funds for the Downtown Network by entertaining bids on several intriguing items including a large photo of Hope’s East Second Street looking West from circa 1955, a quilt from Sew Fancy, a wagon wheel desk from Tena Pilkinton Carter, a stylized bench depicting the evergreen conflict between Chevy and Ford, Razorback tickets and a rifle whose metal parts were of a golden color.
Judges rated the various restaurants and eateries represented at The Hub. These results were read by Rebekah Moore. Best appetizer was Powell’s Grocery’s cracklins. Best entrée went to Big Mac’s Barbeecue. Best dessert was The Melon Patch’s cheesecake. The People’s Choice award, gathered from votes by patrons, was Hiro Hiro, which served several varieties of sushi.
Overall sponsors for tonight’s event, as read by Ross, were Tyson Foods, McDonald’s, Brentwood Industries, Fulton Grass, Mike and Debbie Malek, Cadence Bank, John and Kim Hollis, Overflow Lodge, Duck Farm of Ashley County, Thomas and Tena Carter, T&T Properties of Crossett, Hope Parks, Recreation and Tourism Commission, Four States Furniture, Bobcat Freight, First National Bank of Tom Bean, SWARK.Today, Lance and Associates, Premium Waters and Vibey Vents.
