Press Releases
Welcome to our Press Release page, where you'll find the latest news, announcements, and stories highlighting the work of Main Street El Dorado. From community events and downtown initiatives to business development, preservation efforts, and special projects, each release reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a vibrant and thriving downtown.
Main Street El Dorado announces a Mini-Grant Program for downtown business and property owners.
EL DORADO, ARK- Main Street El Dorado is investing in the future of downtown El Dorado through the implementation of its well established Mini-Grant Program, designed to strengthen and preserve the historic downtown commercial district. Guided by its mission to create a vibrant and thriving downtown through business development, arts and culture, placemaking, community events, the program provides financial assistance to business and property owners within the Main Street El Dorado district.
The Mini-Grant Program supports building improvement projects that simply enhance the appearance, functionality, and longevity of downtown properties while preserving their historical character and architectural integrity. Through these investments, Main Street El Dorado aims to encourage revitalization, foster economic growth, and ensure that downtown remains a welcoming destination for residents, businesses and guests alike.
Main Street El Dorado announces ‘Boomtown Days’ Featuring Live Music and Iconic 'Showdown at Sunset' Re-enactment on June 20th.
EL DORADO, ARK — Main Street El Dorado invites the local community and regional visitors to celebrate the summer season as the popular Boomtown Days return to the historic downtown square on Saturday, June 20th. This month’s highly anticipated community event promises a packed schedule that seamlessly blends El Dorado’s rich history, a vibrant local marketplace, and premier live entertainment.
The festivities begin early in the morning with the Farmers Market on the Square, running from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, giving early birds a chance to shop for fresh regional produce and unique handmade goods. The main evening event kicks off at 5:30 PM, transforming the historic downtown district into a bustling street festival filled with local vendors, exceptional outdoor dining opportunities at square restaurants, and family-friendly activities such as line dancing!
In 1902, broad daylight on the courthouse square in downtown El Dorado, Arkansas the City Marshal (played by Keith Owens) confronted his bitter rivals the Parnell brothers. In one swift moment, a flurry of gunfire left three men dead and several others wounded in the infamous Parnell-Tucker gunfight.
Characters include:
City Marshal Guy Tucker-played by: Keith Owens
(Grandfather to former Arkansas Governor Jim Guy Tucker); Store Owner, Tom Parnell- played by Bill Meyer; Photographer Bob Mullens-played by Thomas Bewster; Constable Herring Dearing- Played by Samuel Odom; Jim Parnell- Played by Matthew Power; Miss Jessie-Played by Summer Shipp; Walter Parnell- Played by Parker Thomas
Don't miss SHOWDOWN AT SUNSET during the Boomtown Days event. It’s a reenactment of the historic portrayal of the El Dorado in the early 1900’s starting at 5:40 pm.
Following the re-enactment, the night transitions into an evening of fun starting with line dancing then continues with spectacular live entertainment. Main Street El Dorado is thrilled to headline Coyote Pine, a beloved regional group that will take the stage to deliver a high-energy performance under the summer night sky. As with all Boomtown Days events, admission to the entire evening of festivities on the square is completely free and open to the public.
"We just wanted to bring people downtown and music is one way to do that. We're having a street dance," explained Terry Moore, executive director of MSE. "Bringing a talented group like Coyote Pine to the square alongside our historic re-enactment makes for the perfect Saturday night out. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support our local merchants, enjoy great music, and celebrate our community spirit."
Main Street El Dorado would like to extend its deepest gratitude to Murphy USA, whose generous and unwavering sponsorship makes the Boomtown Days event possible. Their commitment to investing in the culture, economy, and people of El Dorado ensures that the beloved community traditions can continue to bring families together on the square free of charge.
Vendor spaces are still available for local businesses and artisans. To register as a vendor or have any inquires, visit www.mainstreeteldorado.org or call (870) 862-4747
About Main Street El Dorado
Main Street El Dorado is a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization, preservation, and economic development of historic downtown El Dorado, Arkansas. Through community events, culture, and arts promotion, Main Street El Dorado strives to maintain a vibrant, thriving, and welcoming core for the city.
The Boomer Hill Band Headed to Downtown El Dorado for July 18th for ‘Boomtown Days’
EL DORADO, AR — The summer momentum continues on the historic downtown square as Main Street El Dorado prepares for the next date of its Boomtown Days event series on Saturday, July 18th. Following a spectacular turnout last month, July’s event promises another energetic evening of live regional music, local shopping, and historic pageantry in the heart of the city.
The day’s activities begin bright and early with the morning Farmers Market on the Square from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, offering a prime selection of fresh seasonal produce and handmade local crafts. The festivities pick back up in the evening starting at 5:30 PM, when the historic district comes alive with street vendors, family activities, and open-air dining options from downtown restaurants.
The evening's entertainment line-up features the return of the beloved Showdown at Sunset historic re-enactment, bringing El Dorado's wild 1920s oil-boom history to life right on the streets. Immediately following the performance, the stage will transition to live music with a highly anticipated performance by The Boomer Hill Band. Known for their smooth melodies and captivating style, the regional group will keep the crowd dancing under the summer stars. Admission to all the evening's events remains entirely free to the public.
"Our summer series has been building fantastic energy, and we are thrilled to keep that going into July," said Terry Moore, MSE Executive Director. "Bringing a talented group like The Boomer Hill Band to the square alongside our historic re-enactment makes for the perfect Saturday night out. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support our local merchants, enjoy great music, and celebrate our community spirit."
Vendor spaces are still available for local businesses and artisans wishing to participate in the evening market. To secure a vendor spot or to view the full event schedule, visit www.mainstreeteldorado.org or call (870) 862-4747.
About Main Street El Dorado
Main Street El Dorado is a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization, preservation, and economic development of historic downtown El Dorado, Arkansas. Through community events, culture, and arts promotion, Main Street El Dorado strives to maintain a vibrant, thriving, and welcoming core for the city.
