The Ohio Club's statue of Al Capone was returned to its rightful place on a seat next to a bench directly outside the establishment in downtown Hot Springs with pomp and circumstance Saturday night.
Following $3,500 worth of repairs performed to undo damage done to the statue as the result of criminal mischief late the night of March 16, the statue was paraded through the bar with fanfare and placed back in its seat.
Club owner and gangster guardian Mike Pettey considered the event to be well attended.
"There were as many as we could get on the sidewalk. It was hard to count. At least 50," he said.
The indoor portion of the event was not open to children, as the Ohio Club is a 21 and older establishment.
Children were allowed to attend the part of the celebration that took place at around 8 p.m. on the sidewalk, though.
Despite this, Pettey said that the crowd mostly consisted of adults.
Red, limited edition T-shirts featuring text stating "I KIDNAPPED BIG AL," and "THE ST. PADDY'S DAY KIDNAPPING. OHIO CLUB HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS," alongside a likeness of the statue were sold at the event to benefit the Garland County Historical Society.
Only 250 of the shirts were made. They were sold for $20 apiece.
Through the shirt sales, the Ohio Club was able to generate $2,500 in donations to the Garland County Historical Society.
"Over the years they have been so helpful with documenting stuff for us and providing pictures. They're a great partner since we're one of the oldest establishments in town. They're a great cause, but they get overlooked a little bit because there's so many great causes in the county. So we wanted to do something to help them," Pettey said last Tuesday.
There are still shirts available for purchase at the Ohio Club, and next door at Spa Souvenir & Gifts.
"We've still got a few left. But that's all that'll ever be made," Pettey said.
According to the club owner, the whole event went off without a hitch and as planned.
"It was great. Everybody's tickled to death about the new suit. As soon as I posted the pictures on Facebook, it had already been seen by over 12,000 people. One of my biggest posts ever," Pettey said.
As for keeping Big Al safe in the future, extra security measures, including zip ties and increased surveillance will be employed, he said.
The kingpin will "even be handcuffed" to his seat going forward, Pettey said.
The statue is also sporting a new, black suit. Capone will continue to wear his iconic white fedora and white shoes.
For the club owner, having Al Capone back in his proper place makes everything seem normal again.
"I'd hear people going by saying 'That's just not right, him not being here.' People love him in his new suit. So many people have taken pictures of him and the new suit. It's good to have him back and have people having fun with it."
Pettey extended a word of gratitude to Ohio Club bartender Brittany Davis.
"She did all the hand and face detail work. She does phenomenal work, and for free. She just loves it. She helps keep him touched up," he said.
The mobster is now completely reinstalled, available to take photos with all who pass by and keeping a watchful eye on Spa City.
Local on 06/10/2019