RUST COMMENTARY: EUREKA SPRINGS: A SPECIAL PLACE

My wife Wendy and I attended the Arkansas Press Association summer convention in EUREKA SPRINGS, Ark., last weekend. A five-hour drive was only 1 hour, 20 minutes as the crow flies.

The convention featured debates by the candidates for U.S. senator as well as the state's attorney general and governor ... which gave me a chance to see Arkansas candidates display their style, knowledge and debate capabilities. Arkansas has become a two-party state (currently led by Gov. MIKE HUCKABEE, who is favored for re-election). Part of the change has come about because of the switching of many conservative Democrats to the Republican Party.

All of the candidates were bright, articulate and low-key in expressing themselves. The question,-answer and rebuttal opportunities gave the Arkansas Press members a good opportunity to evaluate the depth of the debaters.

The generally polite but direct style was quite enjoyable to observe.

Arkansas Press is a friendly group of people, and we enjoyed sharing business and social events with them. They display a highly competitive independent nature, but with the ability to see the humor (and express it) via their actions.

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This PASSION FOR LIFE was the noticeable difference that makes EUREKA SPRINGS stand out as a place to visit. It would make a wonderful 3-day to 4-day weekend visit (which could easily be stretched to one to two weeks, as there is an amazingly diverse choice of interesting area attractions along with the beautiful Ozark mountains, fishing and golfing opportunities).

Eureka Springs is about 60 miles south of Branson, Mo., and it is the destination site for most visitors who want a broader mix of entertainment PLUS natural beauty opportunities.

Called the "Little Switzerland of the U.S.," Eureka Springs has shuttle trolley cars that help you get through the narrow streets of this charming and quaint Victorian town which grew explosively in the late 1800s because of the healing power of the spring water (some say it was radioactive).

After years of declining population ... in the 1960s it became a tourist destination and alternate-style, low-cost living community.

The GREAT PASSION PLAY (now in its 31st season) was a major catalyst in the town's new focus on bed-and-breakfasts (also over 40 motels) in Victorian houses.

The play takes you back 2,000 years to the last week of the life of JESUS. A cast of 250 people in authentic Bible-time attire, live horses, sheep, special lighting and sound effects do not overwhelm the message of the Last Supper, the trials and the crucifixion.

The 4,000-seat theater had about 3,300 in attendance who sat in quiet contemplation during the two-hour performance. I recommend the experience, which would also give a good framework for discussion with your children or grandchildren.

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The PASSION that was displayed in Eureka Springs was reflected in many ways that only slowing down and talking with the people would let you observe.

The enthusiasm of TOM DEES ... the current developer of the HOLIDAY ISLAND 5000-lot golf, fishing, active retirement and living complex on 4,500 acres located on the 53,000-acre Table Rock Lake five miles north of Eureka Springs is contagious. His vision is becoming a reality, as 4,400 lots have already been sold to those who are enjoying the marina, two golf courses, recreation center including swimming pools, softball field etc.

Condos, time shares, and a secluded campground are also available at this development, which features homes from the approximate $85,000 to $400,000 range.

The unusual TURPENTINE CREEK wildlife refuge which "rescues" exotic cats (lions and tigers) nationwide has grown from two lions in 1992, when it was started with a passion to save (not kill) these animals, to 97 today. Zoos that have too many big cats, pets that have grown too large etc. are sheltered here economically thanks to the free food donated from the TYSON FOODS chicken processing plants and the donation of the land on which the refuge is located.

Each big cat will eat, on average, 10 to 15 pounds of meat per day.

"All of the volunteers at Turpentine Creek work endless hours because of their compassion for these creations of God who are entrusted to their care."

The same passion for education caring was displayed at SNAKE WORLD, which contained a crude, but interesting, live exhibit of native and foreign poisonous and non-poisonous snakes.

I asked the owner how he got into the business. He said he'd been interested in snakes since he was 10 and wanted to educate other people about them.

Caves, gardens, the outstanding European-style meals and service on the railroad line, the surprising Frank Lloyd Wright-style architecture of the Church in the Woods, the passionate, self-designed QUIGLEY CASTLE residence ("We live off what God put in the world") all added to the delightful experience we had.

We'll be going back, because in addition to all of the above ... the quaint, personally enthused artists and shop owners are an experience in themselves. Not only some excellent, top-quality art ... but people who have a passion for the lifestyle of the community and a friendly, open-mannered enthusiasm for its history and the items they sell.

Wendy and I also did the his-and-her (adjacent rooms, open door) special deluxe spa massage package including the sauna, face cleansing, one hour massage etc. at the 125-year-old CRESCENT HOTEL on the hill. TINGLING!

~Gary Rust is president of Rust Communications, which owns the Southeast Missourian and other newspapers.