Hosting The Wall That Heals in Downtown Bentonville over Memorial Day is an incredible honor and this experience will require a great amount of support from the community. Please let us know if you are interested in volunteering or helping financially by serving as a sponsor organization.
The Wall That Heals and Mobile Education Center will be installed near Crystal Bridges and Scott Family Amazeum at 600 Museum Way. Park in Additional Parking at Crystal Bridges, or Orchards Park on NE John DeShield Blvd.
The three-quarter scale Wall replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. With the replica at this size, visitors are able to experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C. Like the original Memorial, The Wall That Heals is erected in a chevron-shape and visitors are able to do name rubbings of individual service member’s names on The Wall. The names are listed in order of date of casualty and alphabetically on each day. Beginning at the center/apex, the names start on the East Wall (right-hand side) working their way out to the end of that wing, picking up again at the far end of the West Wall (left-hand side) and working their way back in to the center/apex. The first and last casualties are side by side at the apex of the Memorial. The replica is constructed of Avonite, a synthetic granite, and its 144 individual panels are supported by an aluminum frame. Modern LED lighting from the top of The Wall provides readability of The Wall at night.
The Wall That Heals is transported from community to community in a 53-foot trailer. When parked, the trailer opens with exhibits built into its sides, allowing it to serve as a mobile Education Center telling the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the divisive era in American history.
The mobile Education Center displays includes: digital photo displays of “Hometown Heroes” - service members whose names are on The Wall that list their home of record within the area of a visit; digital photo displays of Vietnam veterans from the local area honored through VVMF’s In Memory program which honors veterans who returned home from Vietnam and later died as a result of their service; video displays that teach about the history and impact of The Wall and of the collection of items representative of those left at The Wall in D.C.; educational exhibits told through items in the collection; a map of Vietnam and a chronological overview of the Vietnam War. The exhibits tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the era surrounding the conflict, and are designed to put American experiences in Vietnam in a historical and cultural context.
.svg)
Whether we are discussing food, waste, energy, or even fashion, our community desires to be more ‘green.’ Sustainability in all areas of our lives is important and Downtown Bentonville Inc. is dedicated to assisting our communities in achieving sustainability goals. We’re celebrating Earth Day a bit early with this First Friday and hopping on board to bring local green initiatives to our lives.
Music can stir the soul and bring people together in incredible ways. This is why we are partnering with The Power of Music Festival to bring the best songwriters in the world to the region. Learn more about how the festival brings the best in sound to Bentonville.
Downtown Bentonville Inc. prides itself on supporting our local community. This First Friday is a celebration of all things local – our history, our food, our crafts, our music, and our businesses. Come stroll the Square, support our local talents, and see how amazing our locals make this community.
When you think of Arkansas in the summer, you may think of heat and humidity. Here in downtown Bentonville, we think of hiking and biking on our incredible trails, swimming and boating in our amazing lakes, and camping at some beautiful outdoor sites! Come check out how we’re turning the Square into a place that brings all these outdoor opportunities to life.
It’s back – bigger and better than ever! The largest International Festival in the area, all happening right here on the Square. Come enjoy a variety of different performances, food, and vendors all celebrating the diversity found here in Northwest Arkansas.
Downtown Bentonville Inc. understands the importance of art in our community. This is why we are turning the Square into a celebration of art and all it brings with it -- local chalk artists, painters, musicians, chefs, and more!
Walmart fills the Square with their toy vendors wanting to show you the the latest toys. Some of them give out toys and all of them let you play with them!
This is the first day of the Bentonville Farmers Market and it's a big deal. We're cooking up some really neat ways to start it off right, but we'll have more on that soon.
The first day of the midweek market located on the Bentonville Square this year.
Join us for the most popular kid event of the year! 7th Annual KidsFest headlined by Peppa Pig! Come to a meet-and-greet with Peppa, and stay for photos, crafts with the whole gang, great giveaways, and be the first to watch brand new episodes to be streamed for the first time anywhere! This is in addition to the wonderful birthday party venues and kid focused vendors that will be set up at the event offering fun activities and giveaways!
This is the first Dog Days of the year, a simple event where people bring dogs to the square for competitions and the dog parade. There are literally dog's everywhere! There are free dog treats and you can win some serious prizes for you and your dog.
Hundreds of kids bring their bikes and their parents for one epic ride around the square. Before-hand we set up a station to decorate your bike with the stars and stripes. Afterwards we hand out free ice cream until it's gone!
Decorating | 9am
Bike Parade | 10am
Ice Cream Party | 10:30am
People pack the Square for free Yarnell's ice cream on a hot day! There are competitions on the hour and whoever eats the most ice cream wins it free for life! It's messy and awesome.
Join us for Dr. Compton Day! It is a FREE educational event for all ages to learn about conservation, environmental stewardship and recreational activities in NWA - all issues that were championed by our founder, the late Dr. Neil Compton. Interactive Conservation Stations, Rock Painting, Music, Ice Cream, Food Trucks & more!
Dog Days is so fun that we do it twice a year. It's a simple event where people bring dogs to the square for competitions and the dog parade. There are literally dog's everywhere! There are free dog treats and you can win some serious prizes for you and your dog.
As a nonprofit ourselves, we think it's important to highlight all the organizations doing great things in the area. We gather as many nonprofits as we can on 2nd Street so you can learn more from them and support one if possible.
In addition to all our great farmers and crafters, artists decorate their booths with the art they work so hard on. Come browse or buy something incredible and support local artists.
APPLY HERE
Halloween isn't far and this is another chance to wear your costume and hunt down some candy. All our vendors will have some and we're all excited to see the costumes. The Square is usually packed with trick or treaters. Bring a big bag!
Starting near the Library, the parade will go north on Main Street until it gets to the Square. Then around the square and backdown 2nd Street.
