Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, the progressive spirit in Fayetteville, Arkansas makes it a great place to live, work, and play. It has been recognized as one of the best places to live in America. Much of Fayetteville’s success is due to its participation in America in Bloom for the past 11 years.
The America in Bloom Symposium & Awards program offers the opportunity for you to see Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas from the inside out. You can walk in the paths of the community’s past, learn about its innovative environmental efforts, witness commitment to quality landscapes, and experience the newest cultural addition, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. You will be able to talk with Northwest Arkansas mayors who are facing different challenges leading their cities, and meet some environmental and horticultural experts. Experience the Farmer’s Market and the crazy enthusiasm for all that is Razorback! Fayetteville is a fun and unique mix of cool college town, thriving business community, outdoor lovers’ haven, and cultural arts center. We can’t wait for you to experience Fayetteville and discover “Ozark Red, White & Blooms.â€
On Thursday, you will take a guided walking tour of historic downtown Fayetteville, followed by a welcome reception, and an Arkansas Barbecue Feast and Award presentation with Mayor Lioneld Jordan. Friday brings the keynote speech Great Design & Tough Plants: The Key to Beautiful Communities, by P. Allen Smith, TV personality, designer, and garden expert. Scott Eccleston, Director of Trails and Grounds at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, will give insight into the unique design of the 120 acres of magnificent native plant trails and gardens that surround the museum. John McLarty and Marilyn Heifner, Heritage Trail Partners, will speak on Celebrating History – The Northwest Arkansas Heritage Trail. And there are other concurrent sessions on a variety of subjects, followed by an environmental tour of Fayetteville, a tour of the Gardens of the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art, and a reception at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Saturday brings Robin Moore, director of the National Learning Initiative and author of Natural Learning – the Life History of an Environmental Schoolyard, speaking on Designing Nature into Children’s Lives, and more talks and workshops. A complete schedule may be found at www.americainbloom.org.
A $139 group hotel rate at the Hampton Inn & Suites may be reserved using code “AIB” either online or by calling 479-756-3500. Full registration for all events is $200. Please register before August 29.
