HS Civitan Club to hold ‘Barn Bash’ fundraiser

The Hot Springs Civitan Club will host Barn Bash 2 at Crystal Ridge Distillery Sept. 26 to raise funds for the David F. Watkins Memorial Tunnel Park ADA-compliant playground equipment.

Barn Bash tickets are $20, covering admission, dinner provided by Smokin’ in Style BBQ , live entertainment by torch singer Sylvia Stems and auction participation. A cash bar stocked with the distillery’s craft liquor will also be available during the event, fundraising Chair Cindy Reiter said.

A variety of auction items like antiques and collectibles are being accepted, but they are particularly interested in handmade items from local artisans,

Reiter said.

She said she thinks having the event at the Crystal Ridge Distillery will pique people’s interest in the fundraiser.

“I know many people are very interested in it and very interested in when it’s opening,” she said.

Crystal Ridge Distillery co-owner Danny Bradley said they do not have a grand opening date released to the public yet, but the only other event that has been held in the venue was the Gowns and Boots Bash on Thursday.

Reiter said the fundraiser’s financial goal is to raise around $5,000.

“Playground equipment, in general, is very costly, and when it’s fully accessible that makes it even more expensive,” she said. “(but) the city has gotten grants for different parts of the park, and there’s other groups that have donated funds too.”

Director of Parks and Trails Anthony Whittington said the ADA compliant playground area will include two slides, one swing set and one seesaw. A smooth pour-in-place rubber safety base will be installed under the equipment to reduce fall impact and to assist in wheelchair use.

Whittington said the total equipment cost is $54,000 and is expected to be installed by spring 2020.

Reiter said the Civitan Club decided to make funding the playground a “signature project” because one of the club’s missions is to assist people with disabilities.

“Everyone in the community can enjoy it, and of course adults can enjoy it too, but children with physical disabilities will be able to enjoy it, so that’s why it’s important: So everyone in the community can utilize it,” she said.

The half-acre at 811 Park Ave. is the site of the former Kloss Motel. The city acquired it in 2014 for $35,000 and demolished the hotel later that year. This park project was the vision of late City Manager David F. Watkins.