MAD looking ahead to busy fall season

Ice rink to return this winter; discussions continue on purchasing versus renting

Skaters enjoy MAD On Ice 2020 in this News-Times file photo.
Skaters enjoy MAD On Ice 2020 in this News-Times file photo.

The Murphy Arts District is preparing for the fall with a flurry of activity that includes a variety of shows, the opening of a new restaurant and the upcoming holiday season.

"I can't believe it's already September. We have a busy few months coming at us," Pamela Griffin, president and CEO of MAD, told members of the El Dorado Advertising and Promotion Commission last week.

This month, MAD is looking forward to the launch of MuleKick@MAD, which is replacing the former Griffin Restaurant.

The Griffin did not reopen after closing in March 2020 because of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

With its flagship location in Magnolia, MuleKick is expanding into El Dorado and taking over MAD's food and beverage operations with a signature menu that includes pizzas, wings, locally-sourced craft beer and entertainment.

Griffin told A&P commissioners in July that minor renovations were underway in the dining and kitchen areas and the new restaurant was expected to be up and running in six to eight weeks.

On Sept. 1, she provided an update, reporting that a soft opening is scheduled within the next two weeks.

Griffin said the date to open to the public has not yet been "set in stone," noting that MuleKick and MAD are finalizing last-minute details.

"We have wrapped up our indoor renovations. We're doing a few things to the outdoor dining space, which will make it a lot more fun and inviting," she said.

"So, we're really excited to unveil all of that and to welcome people back into that restaurant space again and that will involve some live entertainment in that space as well," said Griffin.

She also announced that the splashpad in the MAD Playscape will close this month.

With area schools back in session, the schedule for the splashpad had already been changed to Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The water feature will close for the season on Sept. 19.

"(This) will allow us time to get it winterized and get it shut down before we see an ice rink arrive," Griffin said, referring to MAD on Ice, a portable skating rink that will be set up in the MAD Amphitheater for the holiday season.

Rent versus buy

The third annual Mad On Ice will be held from November until January.

A&P commissioners voted in July to allot $85,000 for the return of the popular event.

During a discussion about the funding request, questions arose about the benefits of purchasing a skating rink versus renting.

Griffin had told commissioners that some implements can be purchased, adding that MAD, who has been renting the rink, hopes to continue MAD on Ice for years to come.

She later said that MAD would look into cost comparisons for renting and purchasing.

Last week, Griffin said that she had gathered some information but had not finalized a cost-benefit analysis, adding that the report will be ready by the A&P commission's next meeting in November.

"I got (vendor) Ice-America to give us a quote on all of the pieces that we would want to buy," she said.

Purchasing some parts, such as the chiller, would not be economically sound because annual maintenance costs would equal rental costs, Griffin explained.

She previously said the total budget is $203,400 for MAD on Ice 2021 and the rental agreement with Ice-America for the eight-week period falls just under $120,000.

Griffin noted that is too late in the year to fully research and make a decision on purchase or rental for the upcoming holiday season.

"So, we're going to continue on with the estimate that we had gotten before to rent this year," she said, adding that MAD may look into buying some smaller items, such as rubber mats.

Conversations about renting or purchasing should resume before the end of the year or in early 2022, Griffin advised, saying, "If we do want to go down road, we need to plan well in advance for the 2022 season."

Commissioner Paul Choate asked Griffin if she had at least a ballpark figure to purchase a rink and all of the necessary implements.

A quote for the rink piece -- not including installation, maintenance and the chiller -- would be $243,000, Griffin said.

"And we still would have to rent the chiller?" Commissioner Don Miller asked.

Griffin said yes.

Commissioner Dianne Hammond inquired about costs for the chiller, set-up and take-down and Griffin said fees for the chiller total $28,000 -- $22,000 to rent for two-and-a-half months, $3,000 for a transformer and $3,000 for delivery.

Hammond also asked which components are included in the $243,000 purchase quote.

Griffin said the quote comes with the rink, dasher boards -- the wall that surrounds the rink --, skates, skate racks, sharpeners, helmets, skate aids, installation, shipping and an import fee.

Another factor that will be included in the cost analysis is the shelf-life of the implements that are needed for the rink, Griffin said.

She explained that some items last longer than others and some will have to be purchased annually.

When Hammond pressed for more information on total costs, Griffin responded, "Before I give you numbers that you analyze, let me put something together for you."

A&P commission chairman Barbie Luther agreed, saying commissioners should allow more time for Griffin to prepare a report so that will have as many details as possible to make an informed decision later.

MusicFest

Griffin pointed out that MusicFest is less than a month away, with country music star Frank Foster, featuring Prior Lee, headlining on Oct. 1 and rappers Ice Cube and Warren G anchoring the second night of the festival on Oct. 2.

Main Street El Dorado will present the "festival" portion of the event with attractions, vendors, live music and more on Oct. 2.

On Oct. 23, rock band Blackberry Smoke will take the stage at MAD. Comedian Ron White will follow with a show on Nov. 11.

Zach Williams, a contemporary Christian rock artist from Jonesboro, will bring his "I Don't Want Christmas to End" tour to El Dorado in Dec. 10.

The tour will feature special guest Anne Wilson, a rising singer-songwriter from Lexington, Kentucky, and speaker Blake NeeSmith of Finding Favour fame.

MAD shows that are on tap for this month include illusionist Reza on Sept. 11 and popular rock and country music group Whiskey Myers on Sept. 17.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.eldomad.com.

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