48Community Searcy’s Beats and Eats series hosted an event on campus featuring a unique blend of Arkansas culture and Searcy small businesses. Bluegrass, Barbeque and Baristas was hosted at Heritage Park on Sept. 15. The event allowed local businesses and restaurants to preview the goods their business offered to community members and Harding students who attended the event. Harding’s Arts and Life Program helps organize the event with Beats and Eats. The event drew in a wide crowd and continued the popularity of the Beats and Eats series in the community. Mat Faulkner, mayor of Searcy discussed the value that events like these added to the community. “One of the reasons we love this event so much is because it allows us to help expose the community to culture and talent from around the world,” Faulkner said. “The Arts and Life Program does a great job securing music talent that provides a rich cultural experience and we love to help connect the community to these opportunities.” This was the first event that Hannah Carpenter, the manager of Midnight Oil, had experienced as a vendor. Carpenter appreciated her involvement with the event through the lens of a small business manager. “I think it’s special that the businesses that are here are specifically small businesses,” Carpenter said. “It’s special that it’s open to the whole community, and it’s also located on Harding’s property.” The event continued the tradition of the first Beats and Eats of the academic year being hosted on Harding’s campus, and many Harding students patronized the event. Two of these students were seniors Alyssa Dodson and Libby Selvidge. Dodson and Selvidge enjoyed attending many past Beats and Eats events. “It’s been super fun,” Dodson said. “I like the energy and the community and seeing so many people in one place to listen to music and eat good food and enjoy each other’s company.” BLUEGRASS BARBEQUE & BARISTAS Beats and Eats event brings together the Searcy and Harding Community for food, fun and bluegrass. Backyard Blues | The Gravel Yard Band plays for the Beats and Eats event in September. Additional performers included Harding alumnus Joe Oliver. Excitement was expressed over the opportunity to bring Harding and the Searcy community together. Photo by Jenna Gaessler
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