Ante Up Anyone?

Officials at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport Authority have received the first $1,800 of the $100,000 they hope to raise through private donations to pay for the airport’s grand opening festivities in November.

First Federal Bank of Harrison sent the check in response to a solicitation from the Airport Authority. The authority mailed letters last week asking for donations from local banks and companies involved with building the airport. The authority hopes to pay for the event entirely through donations.

Although the airport plans to open for commercial service Nov. 1, the actual date of the dedication remains flexible. Officials are waiting on the response from President Bill Clinton to their invitation for him to attend the event.

“We’ll work it around his schedule,” says Scott Van Laningham, a spokesman for the new airport. “We’ve been told there’s a fair chance he’ll attend.”

The authority could wait until early next year for the big event if Clinton decides to attend, Van Laningham says.

Expenses for the event include building a stage, renting equipment, providing security, parking and transportation, all of which could become more expensive if Clinton attends. Officials also plan to put a plaque in the terminal recognizing workers and major contributors.