VOTE HERE
The Historic Downtown of Hope, Arkansas is one of 25 quarterfinalists in the national small business movement Independent We Stand 2020 America’s Main Streets contest. This is after 616,000 plus votes were cast for 160 entrants during the nominations phase.
According to their website, the contest began to help promote the importance and strong economic benefits of main streets and small businesses that help them thrive. The winning Main Street will receive $25,000 in cash and related prizes to help revitalize that Main Street.
As the only city in Arkansas to move forward, Historic Downtown Hope needs the state’s support to advance to the semifinalist round.
“Downtown Hope has something for the young and young at heart,” Beckie Moore, Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Director said. “From shopping to dining and all in between, downtown Hope has you covered. Need an event venue? Join us downtown at the Hub, and that need can be met. In our Visitors Information Center, you can learn about Hope’s train history as well as the history of our 42nd President, Bill Clinton, our former Arkansas Governor, Mike Huckabee, and former White House Chief of Staff, Mack McLarty. Downtown Hope is the home of our Southwest Arkansas Arts Council, which blesses our community with shows, classes, and theatrical performances.”
Moore said in 2018, Historic Downtown Hope received its designation as an Arkansas Downtown Network program as directed by Main Street Arkansas.
As a Main Street America Affiliate™, Hope Downtown Network is part of a national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.
“These designations would not have happened without our community stepping up to make a difference in the downtown business revitalization and historic preservation,” Bob Erwin, President of the Hope Downtown Network said.
Voting is open now through May 24, 2020, and you may vote 25 times per day by visiting MainStreetContest.com. The top 10 semifinalists will be announced on May 25.
For more information on Historic Downtown Hope, like and follow Hope Downtown Network and Hope Chamber on Facebook. You may also call the chamber at 870-777-3640 or email hopemelonfest@yahoo.com.
