Read below about the free services that you can take advantage of when you attend downtown Bentonville large events, such as First Friday, the City of Bentonville's Lighting of the Square and The Bentonville Christmas Parade...

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SHUTTLE SERVICE:

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Downtown Bentonville Incorporated has secured support from Northwest Medical Center - Bentonville to provide designated parking, and a shuttle service to First Friday and holiday events.
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The parking and shuttle service is designated for community members with mobility challenges.
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The service will run from 4pm until 8pm at the October 6th First Friday event, as well as Lighting of the Square (11/18/23) and the Bentonville Christmas Parade (12/9/23).
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First Baptist Church Bentonville's west parking lot will be available for guests with mobility challenges and their passengers. The lot is located at 2nd Street and B Street.

Signage will show drivers where to park. A 16 passenger ADA shuttle will pick up and drop off drivers and their passengers in a safe location at DBI’s event.
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DBI Executive Director, Dana Schlagenhaft said, "With the support of Northwest Medical Center - Bentonville, Downtown Bentonville Inc. is committed to creating an inclusive environment at our downtown events, ensuring that everyone in our community feels welcome. We understand that some individuals face mobility challenges that may prevent them from attending our First Friday and holiday events. We want to assure those individuals that we value their voices and are hopeful that the introduction of a shuttle service will enhance their ability to join us in celebrating as a community."
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“We’re grateful to be able to support accessibility for our friends and neighbors in Northwest Arkansas,” said Chris Blair, Chief Executive Officer at Northwest Medical Center - Bentonville. “We want to give back to our community and make an impact on people’s lives so they can continue to live healthier and thrive.”
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Shuttle service is provided by Pinnacle Car Services.

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SENSORY ALLEY:

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‍First Friday is a large, loud event that can be overstimulating.

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The Schmieding Foundation Inc.’s Sensory Alley is an inclusive space for individuals who experience barriers in attending First Friday.

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DBI and The Schmieding Foundation Inc. want all individuals who experience these barriers to have a safe and inclusive space inside the First Friday footprint in order to attend and enjoy First Friday.
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Sensory Alley is a drop-in, cool-down space. To ensure a safe and inclusive space, all individuals requiring support must be accompanied by a family member/caregiver while visiting the space.
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This month our friends at Fusion Therapy Center are taking over!

• Mini pumpkin painting party (stickers available to meet needs of sensory sensitivities or fine motor challenges)
• Corn Kernel Kiddie Pool for a full-body sensory experience. Additional sensory play bin of hay/corn to accommodate for the perfect hands-on activity to scoop, dig in, and explore for sensory experience + fine motor development.

Sensory Alley is generously funded by The Schmieding Foundation Incorporated.

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BIKE VALET:

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‍Our friends at Bentonville Moves have teamed up with Pedal It Forward and Trailblazers to bring First Friday goers a FREE bike valet.

Thanks to Bentonville Parks and Rec, the Dave Peel Park green will be transformed into a bike valet. Running from 3-9 PM, bike to First Friday, check your bike in with the Bentonville Moves team, and enjoy the fun on the square!

Once you're ready to leave, head back to the valet, pick up your bike, and you're good to go! It's that easy. Look for their tents! Racks were generously donated by Pedal It Forward.

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