DeWitt became a member of the Arkansas Downtown Network through Main Street Arkansas in May 2008, thus inspiring the creation of DeWitt PRIDE, People Revitalizing and Investing in DeWitt's Economy.

The mission of DeWitt PRIDE is to create and enhance economic develoment and civic pride in the downtown district of DeWitt. The organization has a volunteer board, is seeking federal nonprofit status, and has a membership drive underway to generate volunteers and funding to support their projects and goals.

Click to visit the Main Street Arkansas website.As recommended by Main Street guidelines, DeWit PRIDE has four working committees:

  • Organization
  • Economic Restructuring
  • Design
  • Promotion

Each has different responsibilities that are designed to complement each other. In 2008 DeWitt PRIDE activities included coordinating a downtown clean-up and a swap meet on the Square, hosting a Mr. and Miss Royal Holiday Christmas Pageant, partnering with the DeWitt Chamber of Commerce to decorate the Square with Christmas lights and artwork, and helping downtown business owners meet with Main Street Arkansas consultants for technical assistance.

Plans for 2009 include obtaining both Preserve America designation for the city of DeWitt and National Historic District designation for downtown DeWitt. DeWitt PRIDE will coordinate ongoing swap meets in the downtwon district and the 2009 South Arkansas County Clean-up. Plans also include moving the South Arkansas County Farmers Market to the downtown district and purchasing banners for DeWitt PRIDE to be placed downtown.

The organization will restore the caboose on the corner of Second and Main Streets to make it an entryway into downtown DeWitt. DeWitt PRIDE will continue to coordinate training and technical assistance for all downtown business owners and work with the DeWitt Chamber of Commerce to extend the ebenefits of DeWit PRIDE to the entire city.

DeWitt PRIDE hopes to foster collaboration among all civic and local organizations within DeWitt. The key to progress is to work together!

DeWitt PRIDE membership is only $20. Show your PRIDE in DeWitt, join today! Mail your dues to P.O. Box 245, DeWitt, AR 72042.

For more information about the DeWitt PRIDE program, contact Darleen Frizzell, 870.946.3531 or darleen.frizzell@dewittbank.us.