(Editor’s Note: Each year, Arkansas Business partners with the Arkansas Municipal League to present the Trendsetter City awards, which recognize exceptional initiatives underway in municipalities across the state. Large, medium and small-sized cities were honored in six categories: Diversity and Inclusion; Education/Workforce Development; Infrastructure and Water; Public Works/Environmental and Green Management; Technology and Security; and Tourism Development/Creative Culture. Below is one winner’s story. For more, click here.)
Tourism Development/Creative Culture
Honorable Mention • Over 20,000
Population: 29,338 | Mayor: Fred Teague | County: Pope | Region: Northwest
The Challenge
Russellville was at the center of the April 2024 Great American Eclipse. Expecting to draw tens of thousands of visitors, the city’s leaders anticipated logistical challenges. Beginning in October 2022, a large group of community stakeholders and a smaller team of city officials began planning for Eclipse Russellville, tackling concerns about public safety, traffic management and community readiness for the influx of visitors.
The Solution
Leaders developed a plan involving every corner of the community to present Eclipse Russellville, which grew to be a three-day celebration featuring guest lectures from astronauts, Eclipse Radio from a local station and more. A 49-page Visitors Guide for attendees featured the city’s amenities and key eclipse content. Over 46,000 visitors from all 50 states and 45 countries experienced the 4 minutes and 11 seconds of eclipse totality in Russellville.
Russellville partnered with scientists and astronauts from NASA, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, the U.S. Air Force and the Arkansas Air National Guard to provide aeronautical education during Eclipse Russellville.
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