Maumelle’s Blackout on the Boulevard enjoyed good weather and big crowds for the four-day festival at Lake Willastein.
A joint production of the city of Maumelle and the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce, the Blackout was well attended, said Kellie Wall, the executive director of the chamber.
“Still trying to nail down some numbers,” she wrote in an email, “ but my best guestimate is 1,000 attendees on Friday, 5,000 on Saturday and Monday and 3,000 on Sunday for a total of over 14,000 visitors over the weekend with many from different states and several from other cities in Central Arkansas.”
Indeed, on a breezy and sunny Saturday, the crowds appeared to be in the thousands, or at least it seemed that way as the midway also known as the street that runs on the backend of the lake, had been closed with vendors and food trucks lining both sides, giving it a state fair kind of vibe.
Wall said that Blackout had a total of 40 vendors and 13 food trucks dishing up everything from full meals to sno-cones.
It was also another appearance by Sarge’s Famous Pickles and is a cousin of my wife’s. A grateful visitor left with two bottles.
Blackout also had a stage and plenty of entertainment going as well.
Spread out over four days, there were plenty of highlights, but a couple in particular stood out to Courtney Dunn, the city’s Economic Development Director.
“The eclipse was definitely the highlight of the event,” she wrote. “The moment we hit totality, the crowds yelled and cheered – it was emotional and heartwarming.”
She added, “another highlight would be the free Kids Zone- hosted by Lions Club, it was full throughout the four days, the kiddos LOVED the sand pile and cotton candy!”
Both said Blackout was a success because it was a community effort.
“We really had an amazing team of volunteers, city employees, MACC team and business leaders, entertainment, and vendors,” Dunn said. “I don’t think I can thank all of them enough. The partnership with the city and chamber proved to be stronger than ever throughout the planning and executing of this event. We are excited for the future & moving Maumelle forward.”
While another eclipse won’t happen until 2045, it did seem that the Blackout might have been a good dry run for Maumelle’s 40th birthday next year.
“The city has already started discussions on the planning for Maumelle’s 40th birthday celebration,” Dunn said. “Stay tuned for more information!”
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Blackout on the Boulevard a hit
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Maumelle’s Blackout on the Boulevard enjoyed good weather and big crowds for the four-day festival at Lake Willastein.
A joint production of the city of Maumelle and the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce, the Blackout was well attended, said Kellie Wall, the executive director of the chamber.
“Still trying to nail down some numbers,” she wrote in an email, “ but my best guestimate is 1,000 attendees on Friday, 5,000 on Saturday and Monday and 3,000 on Sunday for a total of over 14,000 visitors over the weekend with many from different states and several from other cities in Central Arkansas.”
Indeed, on a breezy and sunny Saturday, the crowds appeared to be in the thousands, or at least it seemed that way as the midway also known as the street that runs on the backend of the lake, had been closed with vendors and food trucks lining both sides, giving it a state fair kind of vibe.
Wall said that Blackout had a total of 40 vendors and 13 food trucks dishing up everything from full meals to sno-cones.
It was also another appearance by Sarge’s Famous Pickles and is a cousin of my wife’s. A grateful visitor left with two bottles.
Blackout also had a stage and plenty of entertainment going as well.
Spread out over four days, there were plenty of highlights, but a couple in particular stood out to Courtney Dunn, the city’s Economic Development Director.
“The eclipse was definitely the highlight of the event,” she wrote. “The moment we hit totality, the crowds yelled and cheered – it was emotional and heartwarming.”
She added, “another highlight would be the free Kids Zone- hosted by Lions Club, it was full throughout the four days, the kiddos LOVED the sand pile and cotton candy!”
Both said Blackout was a success because it was a community effort.
“We really had an amazing team of volunteers, city employees, MACC team and business leaders, entertainment, and vendors,” Dunn said. “I don’t think I can thank all of them enough. The partnership with the city and chamber proved to be stronger than ever throughout the planning and executing of this event. We are excited for the future & moving Maumelle forward.”
While another eclipse won’t happen until 2045, it did seem that the Blackout might have been a good dry run for Maumelle’s 40th birthday next year.
“The city has already started discussions on the planning for Maumelle’s 40th birthday celebration,” Dunn said. “Stay tuned for more information!”