Friends of Hot Springs National Park has announced a series of fundraisers for the downtown Maurice Bath House, with a goal to raise $500,000 to restore three historical areas: the porch, lobby and the Roycroft Den.
Local magician Maxwell Blade will kick off this venture with a show entitled "Torn and Restored Production" at 7 p.m. Jan. 29.
For many years, the historic downtown area has become alive and thriving once again and is considered one of the top downtown areas in the United States, a news release said.
Part of this achievement is due to the renovation and occupation of the historic bath houses, transformed into new exciting businesses like the Superior Bath House & Brewery, the Quapaw Bath House & Spa and the Cultural Center in the Ozark Bath House. The only unoccupied bath house on bath house row is the Maurice Bath House, built in 1912 by William G. Maurice, it said.
"We have teamed up with local businesses and entrepreneurs to make this dream a reality," said Roxanne Butterfield, Friends of Hot Springs National Park president, said in the release. "It will be monumental to at last have all the bath houses up and running and filled with visitors again."
Now in his 20th year in downtown Hot Springs, Blade said he had no hesitation when asked to help. "I love this city's downtown and the national park. I am honored to be a part of this project and to have all the bath houses opened again," he said.
Guests will experience the show and tour the New Curiosity Museum, which opened in 2015. The exhibit has grown to over 300 rare and unique items from around the world.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children ages 12 and younger. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended.
Call the Maxwell Blade Theatre at 623-6200 or visit http://www.maxwellblade.com to reserve tickets.
Entertainment on 01/16/2016