Overview

On March 24, 2003, the Mena City Council adopted an ordinance to levy a tax on lodging, restaurants, and other prepared food establishments. This tax of 3% on lodging and 1% on restaurants is used to promote and develop tourism, increase the inflow of tourism dollars, and support economic benefits for the citizens of Mena.

The ordinance led to the creation of the Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission, also known as Mena A&P, whose purpose is to determine the use of the funds and allocate them accordingly.

The collection of this tax, and its monthly remittance, is required by City Ordinance Numbers 2049, 2050, 2109, 2266, and 2280. These taxes are allocated to the advertising and promotion of the City of Mena and to the development and operating expense of the recreation complex at Aubrey D. Tapley Park.

Any business selling prepared food or providing lodging inside the city limits and required to collect and submit the A&P tax is also required to submit a business application for a Mena A&P Business Permit. A Mena A&P Business Permit is required to do business providing food or beverage sales in Mena, and the business permit should be displayed in a prominent location.

The tourism industry plays a vital role in the community economy, with the region boasting natural beauty. Mena A&P thanks local business operators for their contributions in making Mena attractive, vibrant, and sustainable.

The Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in the council room at City Hall.

What We Do

Past Projects

Aubrey Tapley Park

This sports complex is a 74-acre park started by the Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission in 2003 and named Aubrey D. Tapley Park in 2009. It currently houses five baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, a splash pad, batting cages, a sand volleyball court, concession facilities including a pavilion, and two playgrounds.

Grants are continually pursued to continue progress on the complex. Planned projects include more baseball and softball fields, additional bleachers, and two new tennis courts. The complex is the venue for community events such as the Annual 4th of July Celebration and multiple baseball, softball, and soccer tournaments each year. For more information, visit Tapley Sports.

Current Projects

In partnership with the City of Mena, the Ward Lake Bike Trails and the splash pads at Janssen and Tapley Parks were completed. Infrastructure to support events was installed in Janssen Park. Street banners were installed on lampposts along Mena Street and at the Armory.

Batting cages, new equipment, a sand volleyball court, and five new scoreboards have been installed at Aubrey D. Tapley Park. Construction of tennis courts provides another recreation opportunity at the park.

The Commission also maintains an office and full-time staff member in the Historic Kansas City Southern Depot Museum & Visitor Center to assist visitors and businesses with questions and welcome new businesses to Mena.

Future Projects

Plans are underway for developing a new hotel with the recently acquired downtown property. The Commission is also exploring new event activation spaces and the Depot Park renovation.

Marketing

The Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission actively markets the Mena area. By participating in digital, print, and billboard advertising, the Commission seeks to increase tourism. An increase in tourism translates into increased revenue for the community and local businesses.

A newly designed website launched in 2025 and is a crucial part of Mena A&P's digital marketing. The user-friendly, clean design helps showcase Mena, increase search visibility, and show how vibrant, relevant, and viable the community is.

The Commission has invested in a digital marketing campaign that allows targeted marketing. Through this campaign, metrics can be gathered and the campaign can be adjusted for maximum reach and results. Social media, including Facebook graphics and ads along with Instagram, is also used to increase audience and awareness.

The print portfolio includes magazine, newspaper, brochures, and rack cards. Current ad campaigns include the Arkansas Travel Guide, Motorcycling Guide, Western Arkansas Mountain Frontier, and the Hochatown Tourist. Brochures and rack cards are distributed to target markets in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas, in addition to vacation and relocation information requests.

Festivals

Lum & Abner Festival

The Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission's signature event is the annual Lum & Abner Festival. Each year, on the first Friday and Saturday of June, tourists and locals gather at Janssen Park for live music, arts and crafts vendors, children's activities, a fishing derby, live-action entertainment, a car show, great food, and more.

4th of July Fireworks Celebration

People county-wide gather at Tapley Park to celebrate the 4th of July. A fireworks show follows live music, fun events, bounce houses, face painting, concessions, and more.

Mena First Fridays

On the first Friday of each month, downtown Mena showcases the beauty of the Ouachita Mountains, local vendors, food, fun, and live entertainment in a family-friendly environment.

Winterfest Christmas Festival

The first weekend in December hosts the official Winterfest Christmas Festival at Janssen Park and the Old Armory. The community comes together for music, fireworks, the annual lighting of Janssen Park, vendors, food, an ice skating rink, and other family activities to kick off the holiday season.