FROM THE EDITOR:

Hello again, friends, Here’s a shout-out to the merry month of May. Resort city denizens are still in a celebratory mood, having enjoyed the camaraderie of the 15th Annual Wine, Food, Music and Art Extravaganza on Bathhouse Row and the quirky fun of the Seventh Annual Stueart Pennington Running Of the Tubs, along with a host of other amusements and activities.

Hot Springs moves steadily toward summer’s eve and is perfect for biking, golfing, exploring mountain trails, for touring Garvan Woodland Gardens and making photographic keepsakes of this area’s many scenic vistas.

Even now, locals and visitors alike are looking ahead to June, which promises an even more eclectic mix of social, cultural and entertaining events. Snazzy chapeaus are in on June 1 for the first ever Hats in Hot Springs Festival at Hill Wheatley Plaza; American country artist Trace Adkins is in the spotlight on June 2 at Magic Springs Water and Theme Park; and “Outside the Bachs” energizes various venues around town during the 17th Annual Hot Springs Music Festival from June 3-16.

The spirit of our community emanates from its historic downtown – a place reminiscent of the one about which British pop star Petula Clark sang in her 1964 international hit. To a large degree, the sentiments of that classic still hold true: “The lights are much brighter there, you can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares and go Downtown, no finer place for sure, Downtown, everything’s waiting for you.”

Visiting downtown was a singularly special treat in my growing up years here. Hand in hand with my mother, father or grandparents, there was nothing like walking from one end of the business district to another. There were shops, banks, eateries galore. The latest fashions could be found at Eleanor Harris Women’s Wear Inc., the Ru’el Shop or Hubert Mendel Inc. My mother loved shoes and could generally find styles to fit her especially narrow feet at Pate’s.

A long-time friend, the late Patricia Walker, offered “Gifts of Distinction” at her Magnolia Cottage; as a teenager, my gal pals and I “oohed and aahed” at the sparkling items in the windows of Lauray’s Jewelers; school supplies, stationery and current bestsellers were available at Clark’s Book and Stationery Store and Steigler Brothers Book Store. The lunch counter at J.J. Newberry’s was always busy and resounded with the laughter and chatter of people having a really good time.

Hopefully, the tradition of gathering downtown to note a hallmark occasion, to watch a parade, to showcase fine arts, to dine with family, to learn about one’s legacy will only strengthen and grow.

But whatever the destination –downtown, uptown, all around the town – Hot Springs remains a jewel of the Natural State.

Ml Executive editor