Area events, facilities are finalists for state tourism awards

The Fort Smith area has three finalists named in the 2009 Henry Awards, Arkansas’ only program recognizing achievement in the state’s tourism industry.

The Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair is one of three finalists in the “The Grand Old Classic Special Event” award. This category annually honors a festival, fair or other special celebration which has stood the test of time to become an established example for the more than 1,200 special events held in Arkansas each year.

Located in Barling, the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center is one of three finalists for “The Natural State” award. This award recognizes facilities and organizations based on unique appeal, media coverage, creative approach, and/or enhancement of community pride, thus benefiting the state’s quality of life.

The Fort Smith Classic, a professional golf tournament held annually at Hardscrabble Country Club in Fort Smith, is one of three finalists for “The Tourism Special Achievement” award. The award is presented to an individual or organization that has contributed to the tourism industry through leadership “above and beyond” the normal requirements of their jobs.

Award winners, along with the 2008 Tourism Person of the Year winner, will be announced March 17 at the 35th Annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism to be held at the Fort Smith Convention Center.