12th Annual Delta Awards for Tourism Achievement presented Feb. 17 in Jonesboro

February 28, 2012
The 12th annual Delta Awards recognizing tourism achievements in Eastern Arkansas were presented during festivities Friday evening, February 17, at Arkansas State University's Cooper Alumni Center, 2600 Alumni Boulevard, Jonesboro.

The 12th annual Delta Awards recognizing tourism achievements in Eastern Arkansas were presented during festivities Friday evening, February 17, at Arkansas State University’s Cooper Alumni Center, 2600 Alumni Boulevard, Jonesboro.

The event was sponsored by Arkansas Delta Byways, the nonprofit association recognized by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism as the official tourism promotion association for 15 counties in eastern Arkansas. Counties include Arkansas, Chicot, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Desha, Drew, Greene, Lee, Mississippi, Monroe, Phillips, Poinsett and St. Francis. The awards program was also presented with support from the Greater Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce and the Jonesboro Advertising and Promotion Commission.

Arkansas Delta Byways is located on the Arkansas State University campus in Jonesboro and receives administrative support through Arkansas State University’s Arkansas Heritage Sites Office.

For more information, contact Arkansas Delta Byways—phone: (870) 972-2803, fax: (870) 972-3200; or e-mail Paula Miles.

Finalists for the awards were as follows, with the winner designated by an asterisk:

1. Media Support Award Cross County Historical Society, WynneDumas Clarion, Dumas*SEA Life Magazine, Arkansas, Desha, Drew and Chicot Counties

2. Hospitality Award Gene’s BBQ, Brinkley*Osceola-SMC Chamber of Commerce, OsceolaWoody’s BBQ, Waldenburg

3. Entrepreneur AwardAnnette’s Antiques and Treasures, StuttgartThe Marketplace, Monticello*Quapaw Canoe Company, Helena

4. Tourism Support Award *Miller’s Mud Mill, DumasParagould Community Center, ParagouldSouthern Bancorp, Helena

5. Festival/Event of the Year *Arkansas River Revival Flotilla, Chicot and Desha CountiesDermott Crawfish Festival, DermottJohnny Cash Music Festival, Jonesboro and Dyess

6. Boot Strap Award ASU Museum, Jonesboro*Delta Gateway Museum, BlythevilleScarecrow Festival and Contest, Marion

7. Promotional Award Corning Harvest Festival, Corning*Gladlands, Lee and St. Francis CountiesMidsouth Marathon, Wynne

8. Outstanding Member AwardPat Audirsch, MariannaSara Beth Christian, West Memphis*Paula Miles, All Counties

9. Cultural Heritage Award Desha County Museum, DumasMuseum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie, Stuttgart*Parker Pioneer Homestead, Whitehall

10. Tourism Person of the Year Award Lisa O’Neal, MarionAnn McClendon, Marianna*Kim Williams, All Counties