Commission supports garden event, others

Visit Bentonville OKs funding projects

BENTONVILLE — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will co-host a garden symposium showcasing the museum’s 120 acres as well as bring a new niche group to the city, museum officials told the Advertising and Promotions Commission on Thursday.

Crystal Bridges will cohost a symposium for American Public Gardens Association members with the Tulsa Botanic Garden on Oct. 10-12. Museum officials expect 150 to 200 participants representing public gardens from around the country to attend.

“We have the opportunity to bring in the majors hitters in the garden industry,” said Cody George, museum horticulturist.

The association’s symposiums are typically held on a coast or in the north, he said.

“I’ve had several people comment that this is their excuse to get to Bentonville,” he said.

The event will also help the museum develop partnerships with other public gardens throughout the country to provide different garden exhibits and events, said Emily Ironside, museum director of development.

The two- day event will cost about $18,500 to host. Museum officials asked for Visit Bentonville to assist with $5,000, which commissioners approved.

Commissioners also approved for $2,000 go to help GPP Growler Grinder, a bike ride on gravel and unpaved farm roads Oct. 19-20. Organizers asked for $3,500.

Visit Bentonville set aside $130,000 in this year’s budget to help pay for events. That money has already been allocated, Chris Sooter, commission chairman, told commissioners.

Commissioners approved a $7,000 budget adjustment from the fund balance to assist the two events.

There aren’t any other events scheduled for this year that need money, said Kalene Griffith, Visit Bentonville president and CEO. She said she couldn’t guarantee another organization wouldn’t come seeking last-minute assistance.

Commissioners also approved to give $ 10,000 for two events scheduled for next year.

Ambucs, a nonprofit organization that helps give people with disabilities mobility and independence, received $5,000 for is Great Plains Region conference, which will be held in Bentonville in April.

NWA Fashion Week also received $5,000 for its spring 2019 event, which will also take place in April.

Griffith also reported to commissioners that Visit Bentonville will be hiring for a Bike Bentonville manager position to coordinate bicycle-based tourism events. The position will recruit cycling events to the city and work with those that are already coming.

The former manager, Andrea Ritchie, is now the communications manager for Visit Bentonville.