The addition of Paragould and Dumas brings the total number of Arkansas cities to 19. In participating cities, more than 439 businesses and 2,500 jobs have been created in downtown areas. It's important that even as cities grow, their downtowns remain healthy and vital. Downtowns feature historic buildings that remind us of our past and bridge the generations. Stores are within walking distance of each other, allowing residents to stop and chat with their neighbors.
Downtowns also provide a good place for hometown gatherings, reunions and festivals.
This weekend, I will be at one of those festivals in my hometown of Hope. Organizers expect 50,000 people to come this year and enjoy the festivities at the 22 nd annual Hope Watermelon Festival. The festival actually began in 1926, and was held off and on through the years. It is being dedicated to the memory of Pod Rogers, who helped make it an annual event starting in 1977. We played last year and got lots of requests, but despite them we're coming back to play again.