HarvestFest brings dollars to Hillcrest businesses
Last Update: 9/27/2009 8:21 am
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It's been going on for 15 years, but HarvestFest in Little Rock's Hillcrest neighborhood may be even more important this year. In the down economy, the arts and crafts festival isn't just good for people selling their handiwork. It provides some great exposure for businesses along Kavanaugh.
Let's start with the chili contest. We saw an entire crew of Burt Reynolds look-a-likes. "The chili is called Burt's Chili... Reynolds that is," said Chris Richey. There was a life-sized, walking, talking Elmo too. With unusual sites like that who wouldn't want to come see what HarvestFest has to offer. Scores of folks showed up for the chili cook-off but there was so much more.
The weather for HarvestFest couldn't have been better. The sun was out in full force and that's good news whether you're selling sunglasses or anything else. Arts and crafts tables boasted everything you can imagine using unique tactics to draw in customers.
"It's Main Street America and this is what we want people enjoying, seeing what they're doing, seeing how creative they are," said HarvestFest chairperson Penny Rudder. And businesses along Kavanaugh got a boost. Sisters Donna Jones and Bonnie Greenwood with Hillcrest Interiors say this building has been in their family for generations and they've seen all kinds of ups and downs. "Last year it was very bad," Greenwood said.
But they say things are getting better, and events like this certainly help. "It brings in a lot more traffic," Jones said. And while this will bring in dollars for Hillcrest HarvestFest, organizers also hope the event brings people a better understanding of what Hillcrest is all about. Rudder said, "we are a neighborohood and this is just one way of celebrating that we're all in this together."
A portion of the proceeds from HarvestFest drink sales will go to benefit the Centers for Youth and Families and the Francis A. Allen School for Exceptional Children.
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