Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Sept 3, 2024 – The highly anticipated Downtown Jonesboro Entertainment District is hosting its first official event this weekend: Paint the Town Red Block Party will take over downtown on Friday night, September 6 and the Entertainment District will be in effect for the first time.
The Entertainment District was approved by council vote on August 6 after several weeks of discussion.
The goal of an Entertainment District is to promote an atmosphere aimed at increasing business and promoting tourism in the downtown area. Patrons and restaurant-goers of legal age would be allowed to purchase and carry alcoholic beverages within a specified boundary, without violating public open container laws.
The request to create the district was originally brought before the council on June 13, with local community members reportedly striving to duplicate the success of other cities in the region with blossoming downtown areas like Batesville and Mountain Home.
The ordinance calls for the creation of a seven-member Entertainment District oversight committee. The committee is to consist of one member from the City Council, two DJA business owners, one member of the Advertising and Promotion Commission or its executive director, two citizens who live or work within the Entertainment District boundaries, and one member from an arts and entertainment venue within the district.
During a special called Nominating & Rules Committee Meeting on September 3 at 4:45pm, the following individuals will be appointed to serve two-year terms on the “Downtown Entertainment District Committee,” with each term ending 9/1/26.
Chris Gibson – City Council Member
Tom Fielder – A&P Commission Member
James Best – Downtown Business Owner
Casey Johnson – Downtown Resident
Katie Dorton – Downtown Employee
Sarah Nobles – Downtown Business Owner
Chad Campbell – Downtown Business Owner
