Welcome back to The Bentonville Beacon podcast! In this episode, host Brandom Gengelbach, President of the Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce, and guest Aaron Nolan, Media and Corporate Relations Director for Downtown Bentonville Inc., dive into what makes Bentonville’s community so special—and how that charm is being preserved amid rapid growth. You’ll hear Aaron’s journey from Arkansas newsrooms to Chicago's network scene and back home to Bentonville, where he now helps create iconic events like First Friday and the record-breaking Bentonville Farmers Market. Brandom and Aaron discuss the economic impact of these local festivities, the importance of authenticity and family-friendly traditions, and how Downtown Bentonville Inc. is intentionally fostering a sense of belonging for both long-time locals and newcomers alike. Plus, you’ll get behind-the-scenes insights into programming, the origins of the Emmy-nominated Downtown Now TV show, and a sneak peek at upcoming events aimed at celebrating Bentonville’s dynamic, growing, and ever-inclusive community.