Southwest Arkansas’s biggest arts festival has secured strong backing for its 2024 event. Presented by the Arkadelphia A&P Commission, the Arkadelphia Festival of the Arts (AFOTA) Planning Committee welcomes J.M. Smucker Company, Southern Bancorp, Crye Leike Pro Elite, and Crist Engineers as sponsors of AFOTA24.
J.M. Smucker Company and Southern Bancorp will share ownership of AFOTA24’s Music Row. Formerly known as Hostess Brands, this the second year the J.M. Smucker Company has supported AFOTA, and the fourth year for Southern Bancorp. The partnership of this regional and global powerhouse is allowing festival coordinators to recruit rising national talent, including this year’s AFOTA headliner, Redferrin.
“Redferrin is a nationally touring country music act that is climbing the charts,” Special Events Manager Halle Mann said. “He’s coming to Arkadelphia and playing a free concert, which would not be possible without the support of the J.M. Smucker Company and Southern Bancorp. We are grateful their partnership and cannot wait to see this year’s talented lineup take the Music Row stage!”
Meet AFOTA’s newest sponsors
Festival coordinators are excited to welcome its newest sponsors, Crye Leike Pro Elite Realty and Crist Engineers, to the AFOTA family. Crye Leike Pro Elite Realty is co-sponsoring AFOTA24’s Food Row with Flying B Rentals. Crist Engineers is co-sponsoring AFOTA24’s Artist Row with The Ross Foundation.
“Crye Leike Pro Elite Realty is an incredible partner to work with,” Mann said. “They are super involved in the community and want to see our city shine! Their support of Food Row allows us to bring in new, unique food trucks that offer incredible items.”
“Crist Engineers may not have an office in Arkadelphia, but their work is all over town,” Mann said. “They’re currently working on the Arkadelphia Bypass and Pine Street projects. We are thrilled to partner with them on Artist Row to bring in more artists and provide more classes.”
AFOTA24 has gained the support of Flying B Rentals, The Ross Foundation, AY Magazine, Beene’s Towing, and several other area businesses. Learn more about the 2024 AFOTA sponsors at https://arkadelphiafestivalofthearts.org/.
About J.M. Smucker Company
The J.M. Smucker Company is a leading manufacturer of food and beverage products. It offers a diverse family of brands, including: Folgers, Dunkin, Jiff, Smucker’s, Milk-Bone, and, most recently, Hostess Brands. The J.M. Smucker Company is committed to ethically produce high-quality products while making a positive impact on society. To learn more, visit https://jmsucker.com.
About Southern Bancorp
Southern Bancorp is a regional financial institution that strives to strengthen undeserved communities through financial access and investment. With locations across Arkansas and Mississippi, Southern Bancorp works to provide entrepreneurs, homeowners, and individuals with the financial tools they need to achieve the American Dream. To learn more, visit https://banksouthern.com/.
About Crye Leike Pro Elite Realty
Crye Leike Pro Elite Realty is a full-service real estate company located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Crye Leike provides comprehensive services for buying, selling, and investing in properties, with a team of experienced realtors who guide clients through every step of the real estate process. To learn more, visit https://www.proeliterealty.com/.
About Crist Engineers
Crist Engineers is an environmental consulting firm that provides comprehensive, professional engineering services to municipalities, industrial, and private clients. Based in Little Rock, Crist Engineers is currently working on the water and wastewater line reallocation for the Arkadelphia Bypass and Pine Street widening projects in Arkadelphia. To learn more, visit https://www.cristengineers.com/.