CAMDEN — By BRADLY GILL
Staff writer
The Camden Advertising and Promotion Commission approved two activities up for a second reading, discussed a tentative date for a fishing tournament and finally accepted the resignation of long-time member Allan Dawson at its regularly scheduled meeting.
Patric Flannigan on behalf of the South Arkansas Cultural Association approached the board asking for $3,000 for the Juneteenth Celebration.
The commission said that it had only budgeted less than half that at $1,000, plus the advertising budget for JC Productions. Commissioner Lori DeWoody asked it $1,500 could be given for the group to work with.
Flannigan said that much of the advertising in previous years was done out of state in markets that JC Productions would not reach. He said that last years celebration drew people from Texas, Louisiana and surrounding states thanks to radio spots done in those markets.
The board voted 3-1 to give $1,500 to the SACA with the only dissenting vote coming from Commissioner Tim Wilson, who objected based on the fact that the commission should stick to the prepared budget.
The commission unanimously approved $5,00 for the 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular presented by the Camden Ministerial Alliance. The fireworks display will, as in previous years, take place at Harrell Field. Last year’s festivities included synchronized music along with the pyrotechnics.
Jeremy Ables of JC Productions then presented the commission with a monthly report of his advertising activities and presented the commissioners with dates available for the proposed fishing tournament presented by Arkansas Bass Team Trail.
Ables informed the commission that the date of the Chili Cook-Off was unavailable due to a previous commitment from the Arkansas Bass Team Trail. Commissioner Tim Wilson said he would like to see if they could hold the tournament before the Championship Tournament to draw fishermen who might need the points to qualify.
The commission decided to pencil in September 8th as a possible date and to continue negotiations with the fishing group.
Finally, Chairman Clara Freeland read portions of a resignation letter from member Allen Dawson. Dawson had previously served on the commission for 17 years.
The letter said he was stepping down in order to allow new blood onto the commission and that with the requirement for residency being loosened he hoped his spot could be easily filled.
The letter also mentioned that Teresa Lampkin had been very vocal over the years about wanting to serve on the commission.
The Commission decided to table discussion on Dawson’s replacement as both Freeland and DeWoody had candidates they thought suitable to fill the spot.
The discussion was tabled until next months’ meeting.