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Writer's pictureJohn-Michael Scurio

Weird is wonderful

As with any town, Eureka Springs continues to face challenges in its quest to remain unique. Economic pressures, for example, can threaten the very character that makes the town like ours so appealing in the first place.


There is also the challenge of maintaining a balance between growth and preservation. While new businesses and developments can bring much-needed revenue to town, they can also erode the local culture if not carefully managed. The key is to find a way to grow without losing the essence of what makes Eureka Springs special.

For starters, the architecture of Eureka Springs is as much a part of its weirdness as its people and events. The town’s Victorian buildings, many of which are over a century old, give it a distinct charm that is unlike anywhere else. These structures are not just relics of the past; they are living, breathing parts of the community.


Thousands of little kiddos marvel at Eureka - because she is a living, breathing monument that shows them a time that once existed here in these hills long before they existed here on Earth.


Preserving these buildings is no small feat. It requires a commitment from both the local government and the residents to ensure that new developments don’t overshadow the town’s historic character.


While modern amenities are necessary for the town’s growth, they must be integrated in a way that complements, rather than detracts from, Eureka Springs’ unique architectural heritage.


I've said it before in a blog-post entitled - The Beautiful People of Eureka - and I'll say it again, at the heart of Eureka Springs’ weirdness are the people who call this place home.

These are the artists who transform the town’s buildings into canvases, the shop owners who stock their shelves with one-of-a-kind treasures, and the residents who proudly fly their freak flags high. Their stories are the threads that weave together the rich tapestry of Eureka Springs.


Consider the local artist who turned an abandoned building into a thriving gallery, or the musician who organizes impromptu jam sessions that spill out onto the streets. These individuals are the lifeblood of the town, and their contributions are what keep Eureka Springs vibrant and alive. By supporting their work—whether through purchasing art, attending events, or simply striking up a conversation—we help ensure that Eureka Springs remains a place where creativity and individuality are celebrated.

In an era where small towns across America are increasingly threatened by homogenization, Eureka Springs stands as a beacon of individuality. But this uniqueness isn’t something that can be taken for granted. The rise of commercialization poses a real threat to our town’s character.


Other cities have faced similar challenges

Take Austin, Texas, for example—a city that once proudly wore the "Keep Austin Weird" badge but has seen its cultural landscape change dramatically in recent years as tech companies and developers moved in. Portland, Oregon, too, has struggled to maintain its quirky identity in the face of rapid gentrification. These examples serve as cautionary tales for Eureka Springs, reminding us that the fight to keep a town weird is ongoing.

As Texas native Matthew McConaughey says, "The unwritten motto of Austin has been to Keep Austin Weird, adding that "The landscape has changed, but I hope that doesn't change. It's a cool spot. Hopefully it stays that way."

Sadly, with Austin's massive, rapid growth, that little city weird factor is morphing to big city sass.


So, why is it so important to keep Eureka Springs weird?

The answer lies in the broader cultural significance of uniqueness. In a world where so many places are beginning to look and feel the same, towns like Eureka Springs offer a refreshing alternative. They remind us of the value of creativity, of the importance of diversity, and of the need to preserve our cultural heritage.


Weirdness, in this context, is not just about being different for the sake of being different. It’s about fostering an environment where people feel free to express themselves, where new ideas can take root, and where the past is honored even as we look to the future.❤️



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