The Word on Walnut

Downtown Fourth of July Parade tomorrow!

2011-07-03T21:45:00.000-05:00

Downtown Rogers 4th of July Parade!

Happy summer, neighbors!

It's time for the Annual Neighborhood Fourth of July Parade!

WHEN:            Monday, July 4^thGather at 9:45 a.m.     Parade begins at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:          The Parade will line up in the Benton County School of the Arts parking lot off 6^th street.

THE ROUTE: The Parade will travel south on 6^th to Pine Street; go east on Pine to 4^th, north to Cypress, west on Cypress to 6^th and north to BCSA.

THE FESTIVITIES: Refreshments and socializing (following the parade)

WHERE: under The Tree at Jim and Nancy Swearingen’s - 412 S. 6^th - (directly across the street from the BCSA lot).

Coffee and lemonade will be served; dogs watered and delicious goodies will be consumed. All who would like to contribute to the food table are welcome to do so…in the past, we have enjoyed cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, muffins, cookies, fruit, etc.   New neighbors are introduced and guests and relatives are greeted. Recognition of those who have served our country and patriotic songs are always a highlight.

So…dig out your red, white and blue duds; grab a flag, decorate your bike, trike, go-cart, baby stroller, golf cart, lawn mower, spouse or dog, bring your spiffed up pick-up, convertible, Model T, Harley, horse cart, roller blades, or just good old walking shoes. WHATEVER…just come and be a part of a wonderful neighborhood celebration. We’ll be looking for you and your families!!

See photos of last year's 4th of July Parade on The Word on Walnut and watch for an update following this year's event. And, be sure to subscribe (or forward to neighbors) to intermittent downtown resident email updates!

Are you supporting downtown Rogers?

Recruit a neighbor to downtown Rogers! Is there a great house on the market near you? Hand pick your neighbors - who do you know who might enjoy the life you enjoy in our special community?
Shop downtown merchants! Support the unique businesses that make up the backbone of our community, and tell others about them!
Support Main Street Rogers! Call 479-936-5487 to find out how you can be involved! Connect with MSR on Twitter and Facebook, as well!
Check out the downtown Rogers blog, The Word on Walnut, and feel free to submit story/update ideas!

Other ideas, comments, questions? DowntownRogers@gmail.com.

Bienvenue à Méridienne!

2011-05-25T00:25:00.000-05:00

As both a francophile and a downtown Rogers enthusiast, there are few things I can think of that are more personally exciting to me than the recent opening of Méridienne Dessert Salon & Café at 112 South First Street!

However, it turns out I am not alone in my ardor. It's been a delight to see a stellar crowd at Méridienne each time I've visited. I confess I haven't strayed far from the salade niçoise avec saumon (humor me, won't you? I rarely get to turn a French phrase with proper accents...). Suffice it to say you will not be disappointed. And, lest the more masculine among you fear that the offerings are girly or attempt some line such as "real men don't eat quiche," I'd suggest you hold your tongue until it has sampled the outstanding food.

You'll find a simple (as in, exquisite but not overwhelming in its variety) menu with several specials, and the dessert tray alone is well worth saving a little room. However, in typical French Women Don't Get Fat fashion, you'll find the meals served are perfectly filling but not overwhelming. Owners Wednesday Arend and Tammy Varney are also continuing their wonderful custom "couture cake, pastry and dessert" business along with other delights.

The space is comfortable, unique and attractive, and there is a small sampling of cute merchandise available. It's the perfect treat for a little girl just out of school for the summer (I have one in particular in mind), or an excellent spot for you to suggest someone indulge you for a special lunch. Visit their website and Facebook page, and stop in soon to check it out!

*Selfishly, I must also mention that Méridienne will be hosting a little gathering to benefit the Ozark Natural Science Center on June 16! Let me know if you'd like more information.

Arkansas Women Bloggers Unplugged mini-conference!

2011-03-20T15:09:00.000-05:00

By the way, if you're a blogger, check out the Arkansas Women Bloggers Unplugged mini-conference, to be held June 10 - 12, 2011 at the Ozark Natural Science Center. Join us, and be sure to tell others about it! #AWBU

Details & registration: http://bit.ly/cNMkoV

Happy Spring!

2011-03-20T14:19:00.001-05:00

Spring is rolling into downtown Rogers, and I can't wait to see folks out and about in downtown Rogers!

Snippets of news & fun updates:
(Suggestions welcome: downtownrogers@gmail.com)

Downtown Merchants: Be sure to frequent the shops of all our new neighbors (The Rail, Kirby's Kupcakes, Lucy's Diner for example) and old friends (Dollar Saver, Showcase Trophy, Brick Street Botanical, Iron Horse Coffee Company)! If there are businesses missing from our list, send a heads-up to downtownrogers@gmail.com!

Photos: Share your photos of downtown business, houses, people and other fun items as well as suggestions for blog updates!

Farmers' Market: It's almost time! If you love the farmers' market, join us at our first marketing committee meeting on Tuesday, April 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Iron Horse Coffee Company! Subscribe now for this season's market email updates! And, be sure to visit the Market website, follow the Market on Twitter and visit the Market on Facebook!

Susie Q: When the weather is nice, you can be sure your favorite downtown malt shop is open! Visit the Susie Q Malt Shop on Facebook.

Emails: Subscribe to occasional downtown resident email updates (or forward to a neighbor): http://eepurl.com/c3-A2

Pasta Feed: We're still dreaming of a neighborly pasta feed in a particular alley on the north side of Walnut. Would you help make this happen, say on May 1? Let us know if you're interested!

Lucy's Diner

2011-02-06T15:43:00.000-06:00

If you haven't yet visited Lucy's Diner, you're one of a scant few. It's been hopping ever since opening the doors this January despite plenty of snow and ice.

We are fortunate to live a hop, skip and a jump away and have walked there several times, and it is always happily bursting at the seams no matter the time of day. I've enjoyed seeing a healthy dose of our local law enforcement and fire fighters there on a regular basis as well - seems appropriate.

The shiny stainless steel and checkerboard floor are spot on, along with the diner-esque tunes and swarms of friendly, genuinely warm wait staff. While I confess I've had an order or two go wrong, they swooped in immediately to make it right, which is what really matters. The pancakes are true flapjack style and they are fantastic, and the coffee is piping hot and flows rapidly.

Lucy's (511 West Walnut in the former Hi-D-Ho location) is open 24 hours a day, and breakfast is served anytime. Its predecessor in Fort Smith has been open about a year and a half. You might have caught a recent article in the paper about the opening of the local Lucy's Diner, as well as a review. You'll certainly want to swing by yourself as soon as you get a chance. It's destined to be a staple in the downtown scene. Word on the street is that it will be a welcome option for performers and patrons of evening performances at the Rogers Little Theater.

And, happily, all the regulars are still flocking to Wesner's Grill and Iron Horse Coffee Company, hopefully proving that there's plenty of room in the downtown landscape for variety. Keep 'em coming - we love the options and will support you all!

The Rail: Opening Soon!

2011-01-20T12:19:00.000-06:00

Hopefully, you read the previous post about The Rail, A Pizza Company.

Get ready for some good times - they plan to open in February! Connect with The Rail on Facebook - their page is in development, but it will be a great way to stay in the loop and keep tabs on their grand opening!

The Icing on the Cake

2011-01-20T12:15:00.000-06:00

Hurry! If you haven't been to Kirby's Kupcakes, get to it!

Kirby and Lisa have a fun concept that's sure to find its niche and flourish in downtown Rogers. Their cupcakes ($2.50 for a generously frosted, diet-defying treat) are outstanding. They'll let you grab one from the display case if you like your frosting a little crunchy, or they'll swoop into the back with your chosen cupcake and frost it with a flourish if soft and creamy frosting is your thing. I love this little nod to individual taste - it shows the thoughtfulness they put into all that they do.

I recently descended upon both ladies near closing time on a slow day with a gaggle of girls pre-sleepover, and Kirby and Lisa set up a little "frost and decorate your own" station for them. The girls, as seven year olds are prone to do with frosting, had a blast. Kirby's will be the perfect spot for a unique birthday party, and they have some creative tricks up their sleeves.

They are also serving some unique, homemade lunch treats - check out their menu at www.kirbyskupcakes.com or swing by during the work day for something a little different. Their fun pink boxes make picking up a dozen mini or regular cupcakes to deliver to a friend or bring to work an especially fun treat.

It's up to all of us to support our downtown businesses and help them thrive - that's what makes downtown Rogers all that we hope it can be! Swing by to say hello to Kirby and Lisa at the corner of 2nd Street near the Rogers Little Theater, Chicago Dog, the Daisy Airgun Museum and M.D. Bishop & Sons Candy in historic downtown Rogers.

And, be sure to connect with Kirby's Kupcakes on Facebook and Twitter! Plus, dollar cupcake day when they reach 300 Facebook likes - send them some love!

Jingle Bell Jog & Downtown Running Club

2010-12-28T23:21:00.000-06:00

A huge thanks to those who joined us on a chill Sunday morning the week before Christmas for what we hope will become the annual downtown Rogers Jingle Bell Jog!

We were a small (18ish) but mighty group of jinglers, including strollers, a tricycle and lots of smiles. It was another epitome of downtown Rogers - we put the word out, and they did indeed come. It was delightful to have enthusiastic walkers, joggers, runners and supporters. We raised a small sum to support the distribution of yearbooks to Tillery Elementary students (suggested donation was $5 - $10 per person), and a good time was had by all.

Originally, we wanted to assess interest in an annual event and explore the possibility of a running program for kids in the downtown area (knowing good would come of it for adults as well). The Girls on the Run program was our motivation, but unfortunately it is for grades three and up, and a number of families expressing interest have kids in the K - 2 range. There seemed to be ample interest in forming a downtown running club. This post will be emailed to those who expressed an interest - please share your thoughts on the structure of such a club.

One thought is to set standing weekly runs with time for stretching and good habit development, supplemented by a monthly group run and perhaps two annual "event" runs. For example, the running club might convene every Tuesday and Saturday morning at 7 a.m. with any who are able participating, particularly focusing on kids on the weekends. On the first Saturday of each month, we might do a particular route or distance. For both the regular weekly "training" runs and the Saturday runs, it would be very informal - just attend if you're able.

Then, we could invite the general public to join us for the annual Jingle Bell Jog (perhaps a 5K in 2011?) and a May/June run as well. We could plan on Saturday, December 17 or Sunday, December 18 for the coming year. There is merit to Saturdays in that there are no church conflicts, but on the flip side, many families are very busy on Saturdays and there is virtually no downtown traffic to contend with on Sunday mornings.

So... that was an enormous brain dump. Share your thoughts on the concept of a kids' running club, adult running club and the potentially annual Jingle Bell Jog in the comments section.

For those of you who care little about running and lots about downtown Rogers, fear not! We'll return to our regular programming with the next post.

Here's to a fantastic 2011 for downtown Rogers!

Personality Abounds in Downtown Rogers

2010-11-17T20:57:00.000-06:00

Per the previous post, I'm loving the personality on display via chalkboards in downtown Rogers of late.

Here's an addition from West Cypress snapped by Rachel Swearingen Harris:

That's what is so neat about downtown Rogers... personality abounds! It's found in so many special, unique touches. In fact, I'm feeling a bit inspired to share more of it and plan to snap and share a few more pictures of the special things throughout downtown as I'm out and about in the coming weeks. So, don't shoot or call the police if you see a moderately crazy-looking person snapping iPhone shots of your home or yard. And, share a few of your own if you're so inclined!

Speaking of which, have you read the latest downtown residents update? Find it here and share it with a friend or neighbor. Bundle up for the cold snap!

A Proposed Pledge from Downtowners

2010-11-03T08:49:00.002-05:00

Here's an example of what I love about downtown Rogers:

Thank you, downtown neighbor! In case you can't read it, the gigantic chalkboard near their front door reads: VOTE! It is your privilege and your responsibility. I love it. (However, if you read my personal blog, you already knew that based on my recent rant about voting.)

I think this is one of the particularly special things (as we tend to focus upon) about downtown Rogers. Opinions matter, and they abound. Today is actually November 3rd. I'm posting this prior to checking the election results, because this isn't about how you vote - it's about IF you vote. I supported specific candidates, but per the previous post, what matters is being engaged. At the end, may the best men and women win - they will have my support regardless of how I voted.

Unless the community was undecided and we face a runoff, a new mayor has been elected. It's easy for downtowners to forget that our mayor, despite having offices in downtown Rogers, is responsible for an entire city. "But downtown is special!" we argue, and rightfully so. However, as the new administration prepares to take office, I hope we can all sign on to a sort of Downtowners Pledge to the Office of the Mayor of Rogers. My humble suggestions for such a pledge:

1. Welcome! We are glad you are serving Rogers, and appreciate your dedication. We won't forget that it is you who took the time, energy and resources to run and be elected, not us. It is your job to do at the end of the day, and you are accountable to taxpayers throughout the city.

2. As you may be aware, we heart downtown Rogers. However, we understand that it is one of many neighborhoods, hundreds of streets and dozens of daily concerns in our great city. So, when we ask you to do something for downtown, we'll think about how reasonable it is rather than making demands that may not be reasonable when weighed against the entire city's needs.

3. We will not harp on your responsibility to "support downtown." We will be specific and thoughtful in our requests. It's enough for us that you recognize and tell others how special a place downtown Rogers is, and we know you'll do your best for us.

4. With all that said, we aren't prone to keep our mouths shut. If you'll humor us and understand that we are often blinded by our devotion to downtown, we'll keep on making requests like good squeaky wheels. Please be visible at downtown events, as you must be throughout the entire community. We love seeing you.

Here's to an exciting future together!

*Got additions to the Downtowners' Pledge? Disagree? Comments? They are welcome here! Or, just post your agreement. We have many good things to do together in the coming years.

Autumn in Arkansas

2010-11-01T13:58:00.000-05:00

Sitting down at the Iron Horse Coffee Company today and watching the community shuffle in and out, open doors for one another and order spiced cider, chai tea and pumpkin bread, I thought this personal post might be appropriate for passing along on The Word on Walnut blog as well.

Downtowners have an inherent sense of the seasons, and I thought many might share the sentiment. Excuse the personal post - but hope you enjoy!

Intensely Arkansas: Autumn Rituals on the Carpe Diem blog.

Happy fall!

Coming Soon: The Rail, A Pizza Company

2010-09-30T08:19:00.002-05:00

If you care at all about historic downtown Rogers (and of course, you do), you're barely able to contain your enthusiasm about the opening of The Rail, A Pizza Company!

Proprietors David Davis and Shane Zimmerman are currently in the middle of construction progress on the building at 218 South First Street in historic downtown Rogers, right next to Iron Horse Coffee Company. Current work includes framing, flooring, electrical, plumbing and the beginnings of some finishes. Be sure to stop by and pester them - they'll appreciate it!

Downtown Rogers has long been in need of a fantastic pizza and beer joint, and The Rail will fit the bill. Additionally, Davis comes from a long line of successful downtown Rogers business owners - parents Emery & Ruth have Favorite Tuxedo and Holy Orders Liturgical Threads just down the street at 228 South First Street (see an excellent recent article on both here), brother Emery Jr. has Iron Horse Coffee Company next door, and brother CJ and his wife Jennifer are the faces of Club Frisco just around the corner. Davis has also been active in partner Holly Mang's business, Brick Street Botanical.

Zimmerman comes from the Midland Construction family (that's him showboating in the picture on their website), adding to the track record for establishing successful businesses. Incidentally, Midland Construction was responsible for the downtown Rogers intersection improvements this year, and wife Juli Zimmerman runs Love 'Em and Leash 'Em Canine Services. If ever there was doubt (surely not!) that a pizza place could thrive downtown, it's because it didn't have the upbringing that The Rail has to its advantage.

Zimmerman and Davis will offer outside dining on a back patio and will serve pizzas, salads, wings and a variety of other unique dishes, as well as plenty of frosty beverages. The pair cite the old brick walls and the flow of the space through intuitive design as some of their favorite aspects of the building. Both are excited to offer a new place for locals to enjoy a relaxing evening with friends and family.

A select group was able to sample pizzas at Brick Street Botanical during one of the Third Friday Twilight Walks in downtown Rogers earlier this summer, and every slice was devoured like candy. We can assure you that you're in for some excellent pizza at The Rail.

The duo is shooting for a mid-November opening, but we'll all wait patiently knowing that perfection takes time. Their establishment will be well-run and a welcome addition to the downtown Rogers business community. See you there!

Downtown's Bread N Butter Cafe (and the story of Cornell Bread)

2010-09-22T09:46:00.000-05:00

One of the most interesting things about living in a historic downtown area is the unique blend of shops and restaurants you'll find that are often virtually unknown (tragically) by the outside world.

Downtown Rogers is no exception - have you tried the Bread N Butter Baking Cafe? It's easy to overlook, since you won't find it hyped up online or even listed in some of the traditional places. But stroll north along West Walnut and you'll find it wedged in the back of Steamboat Annie's Antiques on the east side of the 100 block. It's a great spot for a weekday lunch, with daily specials, phenomenal quiche (do not even try to resist - just try it) and cozy atmosphere. Speaking of which, forget that "real men don't eat quiche" business - real men are missing out in this case!

Proprietress Victoria also makes absolutely fantastic "baby cakes" - little muffin size morsels of loveliness. There's chocolate cheesecake, lemon, apple spice and a variety of others. In fact, Ms. Victoria made a lovely tower of them as a one-of-a-kind birthday cake for my daughter's birthday party last year, which was perfect - each child (and grown-up) just grabbed their favorite flavor!

But here's the most interesting tidbit about Bread N Butter: they carry Cornell Bread. There is an intriguing story behind the recipe, although it is enough for you to know that the bread is fantastic, tasty and healthy. Make it your new local stop and stock up on your weekly loaves at the cafe.

Mother Earth News carried a fairly comprehensive article on Cornell Bread (or McCay's Miracle Loaf) in 1981. The short version of the story: a professor of nutrition at Cornell University developed a bread recipe with wheat germ and other products added to it in the 1930s. The bread was targeted toward low-income New York neighborhoods, nursing homes and schools, where it's high protein content and healthful attributes would be a benefit. Of course, like all good things, it was slow to catch on - folks still preferred "spongy white bread." Regardless, Ms. Victoria and the gang at Bread N Butter will tell you all about Cornell Bread or Hy-Bread and the benefits to the recipe. You can pick up sliced or unsliced loaves of the bread, and there is even a white whole wheat version if you're having trouble convincing your family to give up their spongy white bread.

Check out Bread N Butter Cafe for lunch, catering, desserts or as your new local source for fresh, preservative-free, healthy loaves of bread. It's another one of those hidden treasures in historic downtown Rogers!

Meander downtown for Twilight Walk!

2010-09-14T15:00:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe this long, hot summer is wrapping up and we're transitioning to cooler fall days, rain and trees beginning to change.

Take one last opportunity to bid adieu to summer and see your downtown neighbors at the last Third Friday Twilight Walk in historic downtown Rogers this Friday, September 17. Even more so if you haven't made it to other Twilight Walks this year, you won't want to miss this last one! Twilight Walks are from 5pm to 9pm.

The theme is Indian Summer, and it's a great time to drop in on downtown merchants who host local artists, photographers and musicians. You'll typically find a great array of live music, a sampling of food and beverages, sidewalk sale items at some shops and a general feeling of camaraderie. Perhaps most importantly, Twilight Walks mean seeing friends and neighbors and strolling with family, friends, kids and dogs at a leisurely pace. There's no better way to cruise into the weekend on a casual note.

A recent article on the Twilight Walks has some additional information and photos: http://digitaljournal.com/article/296374.

Stop by, shop the downtown shops, say hello to friends old and new, and browse and purchase great local art. See you at the Twilight Walk this Friday!

The Best of Summer Downtown

2010-09-05T22:01:00.003-05:00

Downtown Rogers, Arkansas is a special place... but you knew that, didn't you?

Fourth of July Parade

The annual downtown Fourth of July parade epitomizes the spirit of the place, with neighbors, newcomers and visitors alike bedecked in red, white and blue. It's one of the truest slices of Americana that seems to still exist today, with every home and resident sharing in the glee. The parade itself and the grand finale potluck gathering under the big shade tree seem to leap straight from the pages of Southern Living (which, incidentally, we're sure will cover the parade in all its glory one of these days). In case you missed it, here are a few highlights:

Rogers Farmers' Market

Speaking of which, a recap of summer in historic downtown Rogers wouldn't be complete without mention of the Rogers Farmers' Market. In the right-hand column of this blog you can subscribe for the freshest updates on produce and reminders of market days, which you'll want to do since there are many good things in store related to the Rogers Farmers' Market. You can also visit the market's website in progress: www.rogersfarmersmarket.org. In the meantime, get down there on Wednesdays and Saturdays through September and October for the best of the season!

Another reason to subscribe to those Farmers' Market emails: profiles of the farmers (know your farmer, know your food!) as well as easy recipes to make the most of the produce you score!

One last morsel of summer...

Sure, I'm biased... but it wouldn't be summer without a lemonade stand! A certain young Rogers resident (and downtown enthusiast) had a corner on the market during the Twilight Walk this summer. If you missed her, don't worry... she'll be back with her best-selling homemade lemonade in 2011.

Happy fall - see you out and about downtown!

Summer updates for Downtown Rogers residents

2010-07-02T15:49:00.000-05:00

Happy summer, neighbors!

Isn't it great to live in historic downtown Rogers in the summer time? Here are a few updates and reminders for you:

Fourth of July Parade - Saturday, July 3rd at 10:00 a.m.

The annual neighborhood Fourth of July parade will be on Saturday, July 3rd (that's tomorrow)! Gather at 9:45 a.m., parade begins at 10:00 a.m. The parade will line up in the Benton County School of the Arts parking lot off Sixth Street, just south of Poplar (the former Immanual Baptist Church). The parade will travel south on 6th Street to Pine Street; east on Pine to 4th Street; north to Cypress; west on Cypress and north (returning to BCSA). Refreshments and socializing will follow the parade under The Tree at Jim and Nancy Swearingen's home (412 South 6th Street, directly across from the BCSA parking lot).

Coffee and lemonade will be served; dogs watered and delicious goodies will be consumed. All who would like to contribute to the food table are welcome to do so - in the past, we have enjoyed cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, muffins, cookies, fruit etc. New neighbors are introduced, guests and relatives greeted and a good time is had by all. Returning by popular request, a band will perform on the front porch.

So... dig out your red, white and blue duds; grab a flag; decorate your bike, trike, go-cart, baby stroller, golf cart, lawn mower, spouse or dog; bring your spiffed up pick-up, convertible, Model T, Harley, horse cart, roller blades or just good old walking shoes. WHATEVER - just come and be part of a wonderful neighborhood celebration. We'll be looking for you and your families!

Downtown Rogers Farmers' Market

Don't forget the Downtown Rogers Farmers' Market this summer! Stop by the corner of Arkansas and Elm on Wednesday and Saturday mornings between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. or on Monday evenings between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. for the freshest 100% homemade and homegrown fruits, vegetables, herbs and more! Receive weekly e-updates on what's new at the market by subscribing here: http://eepurl.com/DM8t, or connect with the Rogers Farmers' Market on Twitter (www.twitter.com/RogersFarmerMkt) or Facebook (http://bit.ly/a6ufTg).

Third Friday Twilight Walks in the Rogers Historic District

Main Street Rogers presents Third Friday Twilight Walks in historic downtown Rogers, May through September, from 5:00 p.m.– 9:00 p.m. During these events, the merchants of the historic district host local artists, photographers, and musicians as well as promote special 3rd Friday Twilight Walk events and sales. Each Twilight Walk is uniquely themed. The 2010 themes are:

• May 21 Celebrate the Arts
• June 18 Picnic in the Park
• July 16 Summer in the City
• August 20 Dog Days of Summer
• September 17 –Indian Summer

Other highlights include live bands and performances on the Frisco Stage; community art projects for children of all ages; street musicians, artists and crafters lining the sidewalks; loft tours of our historic downtown residences; and various local food vendors. Come and see our beautiful new intersections making downtown accessible to all and creating wonderful green spaces.

Many downtown businesses will remain open late during these special evenings. The historic district has something for everyone, including art galleries, vintage book stores, antique and flea market shops, restaurants, coffee shops, flower shops, furniture and interior design shops, a specialty quilting and fabric shop, an old-fashioned candy store, ladies clothing stores, silk floral shop, a store for engraved items and awards, the Daisy Air Gun Museum, Roger’s Little Theater, Rogers Historical Museum and more.

In conjunction with the Twilight Walks, the downtown merchants are holding Twilight Walk Raffle. Merchants have donated over $2,250.00 in gift certificates as prizes for the monthly drawings, and there is a final drawing for $500.00 cash prize in September. Ticket sales benefit the Main Street Rogers merchant association. They will be sold at most merchant locations for $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.

Twilight Walks offer the perfect opportunity to rediscover Historic Downtown Rogers. With great food, quality art, live music, and outstanding bargains at the stores, these events promise hours of summer fun for visitors of all ages. Visit www.mainstreetrogers.com for more details. Each Wed before the Twilight Walks the Morning News will be include an insert with highlights and a map!

Mark your calendar for Frisco Festival!

Don't miss THE annual event in downtown Rogers: Frisco Festival! Mark your calendar for August 27 - 28, and visit www.friscofestival.com for all the event details! For more information, contact Main Street Rogers at 479-936-5487.

Are you supporting downtown Rogers?

Recruit a neighbor to downtown Rogers! Is there a great house on the market near you? Hand pick your neighbors - who do you know who might enjoy the life you enjoy in our special community?
Shop downtown merchants! Support the unique businesses that make up the backbone of our community, and tell others about them!
Support Main Street Rogers! Check out their website (www.mainstreetrogers.com) for activities and events or call 479-936-5487 to find out how you can be involved! Connect with MSR: www.twitter.com/MainStRogers or on Facebook: http://bit.ly/cs5K58
Check out the new downtown Rogers blog: http://thewordonwalnut.blogspot.com/ and submit story/update ideas to thewordonwalnut@gmail.com.

Other ideas, comments, questions? DowntownRogers@gmail.com.

See you at the parade, Twilight Walk, Farmers' Market and Frisco Festival!

~ Your downtown neighbors

The Rogers Farmers' Market

2010-05-25T20:16:00.000-05:00

Recently, members of the Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders (http://www.nwalead.com/) downtown workgroup launched a Rogers Farmers' Market steering committee to support the Rogers Farmers’ Market and its board of directors and manager and to grow awareness and traffic for the market. The ultimate goal is to make the market a sustainable, integral part of downtown Rogers and help the farmers succeed by growing local support.

Efforts are already underway: the Rogers Farmers' Market now has an active presence on Facebook (http://bit.ly/cuXfmg) with a rapidly growing fan base, as well as a presence on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RogersFarmerMkt. If you use these tools, be sure to connect to both sites and promote the market! Best of all, you can now receive Farmers' Market updates via email to stay in the loop on the freshest 100% homemade or homegrown offerings at the market! Sig up here: http://bit.ly/9ZITMy.

The committee is also exploring the viability of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) through the Rogers Farmers' Market. This is common in metro areas, and allows residents to support local farmers and fund their success. There is a great overview of CSAs at http://www.localharvest.org/csa/ if you would like to learn more. Rogers is one of the only communities without a CSA in northwest Arkansas, although Old Soul Organics does provide delivery in Rogers (http://www.oldsoulorganics.com/).

Other activities being explored by the committee to support the Rogers Farmers' Market include assisting the Office of Human Concern (http://www.eohc.org/) with promotion of its Senior Nutrition Program offered in partnership with the USDA, promotion of SNAP (formerly WIC or food stamps) to encourage use of the Farmers' Market for purchasing healthy foods, outreach and promotion of the market to downtown residents and the community at large, recruitment of more unique, non-competing vendors to the market and more.

If supporting the Rogers Farmers' Market through this group (or just your patronage!) is of interest to you, please contact rogersfarmersmarket@gmail.com to get involved! We meet once or twice a month in season at Iron Horse Coffee Company in downtown Rogers.

See you on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the downtown Rogers Farmers' Market. Tip: put the market as a recurring event on your calendar so that you remember to stop by regularly!

See you at the Twilight Walk!

2010-05-19T08:03:00.001-05:00

It's finally time for the Third Friday Twilight Walk in historic downtown Rogers!

Twilight Walks bring out the best in downtown Rogers. From mingling with neighbors to kick off a laid-back summer weekend to browsing art and unique downtown shops, it's a can't miss summer engagement. Many shops stay open late, there is foot-tapping live music playing from the Frisco stage, artists exhibit their work indoors and out and pets and kids abound. Many downtown shops offer nibbles or even a sampling of beer and wine.

It's easy to swing by just to say hello to friends and enjoy the ambiance, but it is also important for all of us to support these downtown businesses with purchases and not just browsing. It takes a special breed to run a downtown shop, and an even more special breed to remember to support them regularly.

This year's Third Friday Twilight Walks are scheduled from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20 and September 17. For more information, contact Main Street Rogers (www.mainstreetrogers.com/events or 479-936-5487). Be sure to mark your calendar and invite a friend or neighbor to join you!

See you downtown this Friday night!

Downtown Rogers Blog Debut

2010-05-17T11:14:00.000-05:00

It's high time historic downtown Rogers had a blog of the caliber of some of our sister cities. My dear friend Heidi Demarais launched The Word on Main Street (http://mainstreetsiloamsprings.blogspot.com/) in March 2009, and I've long been wanting to do the same for Rogers.

A number of important business entities do a fine job of being the source for the community and outstanding resources for downtown Rogers - that's not the point of this blog. Main Street Rogers (http://www.mainstreetrogers.com/ or 479-936-5487) is the official organization for downtown businesses, events and activities, and the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce has an outstanding business directory on its website (http://www.rogerslowell.com/ or 479-636-1240). Those are the very best sources for official information, along with the City of Rogers (http://www.rogersarkansas.com/ or 479-621-1117).

However, if you care about the vibe of downtown Rogers, the word among downtown residents, the freshness of the Farmers' Market or the reason so many people are starting to understand that it's a very special place to live, raise a family, open a business or visit for something a little unique and off the main roads, this is the place for you.

Send your comments, observations, suggestions and feedback to thewordonwalnut@gmail.com, and keep on supporting historic downtown Rogers, Arkansas!