Perkins Hall offers sustainable options for events; Open House Saturday

CFL and LED bulbs -- indoors and out -- are the only NEW items at Perkins Hall in the heart of the Historic District in Eureka Springs. Almost everything else is vintage, recycled, re-purposed, up-cycled and unique. Even the building is re-cycled -- a former storage building for a lumber mill, circa 1891.

The public is invited to an Open House at Perkins Hall this Saturday, May 26, from 6 to 9 p.m., at 76 Center St. in Eureka Springs. Live entertainment will be provided by Brick Fields, who is Larry Brick and Rachel Fields.

Four local artists will exhibit their works: Julie Kahn, Kirk Lanier, Paula Jones, Caitlin Cantele. Local food will be provided by Eureka Sweets and Norma, Jean's Cuisine, using local eggs and vegetables from the Eureka Springs Farmers Market. Shannon's Custom Florals will include home-grown flowers.

Autographed copies of "Eureka Springs, Arkansas and the Surrounding Countryside" by Chip Ford will be for sale; 40 percent of proceeds from book sales at the Open House will go to support the natural springs. All guests also are encouraged to make a donation to the Springs Committee.

In addition, guests may enter a drawing for a photograph by Kirk Lanier.

Wine served at the Open House will be from Chateau Aux Arc Vineyards in Altus, committed to sustainable practices and reducing its carbon footprint.

With a theme of "Big events, little footprints," Perkins Hall will open in June for low-impact social events that are easy on the budget and easy on the planet. Sustainable practices will be used to the fullest extent possible for weddings, receptions, birthdays, anniversaries, luncheons, awards dinners, art exhibits, parties, celebrations and social events of all kinds.

In preparation for the opening, hundreds of pieces of stemware, dinnerware, flatware and cloth napkins have been collected from estate sales, garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores and attics of friends.

A bar from a previous restaurant downtown has been installed. Vintage light fixtures have been retrofitted for CFL and LED bulbs.

Furnishings are vintage -- most with original upholstery and some re-purposed with new upholstery.

Two outdoor ponds with running water include fish and lily pads, and frogs have moved in.

Food choices have been selected using local foods to the fullest extent possible. Food waste will be composted to go to the Farmers Market.

A retro turquoise-colored television plays black-and-white Marilyn Monroe movies.

An old wooden porch swing is available for relaxing on the first-level porch. The second-level porch includes a retro glider. Many more unique surprises await guests.

And, of course, recycling bins will be available for guests to recycle any glass bottles or aluminum cans.