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NFCYM Flocks to Little Rock for Business, Fun
By Pat Finan
Diocese of Davenport

Liz Tingquist will never forget her first NFCYM Membership Meeting. That is because she will be hosting it!

“I’m not really sure what I’m getting myself into,” she says cautiously. “It sounds like a busy meeting, but I’m sure we’ll have some fun, too.”

Liz, director of the Diocese of Little Rock’s Catholic Youth Ministry Office, will not be the only one getting her feet wet at the January 30-February 2 meeting. The Peabody Little Rock Hotel, site of the meeting, is home of the world-famous Peabody Ducks, who march down the red carpet to the Lobby Fountain every day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Meeting participants are asked to stay out of the fountain, but are welcome to swim in the nearby Arkansas River.

“There are a lot of neat things just within walking distance of the hotel,” Liz says. “Riverfront Park has jogging and biking trails and is really beautiful.”

The River Market District is one block south of the Peabody. It has many restaurants, shops, and nightclubs with live entertainment. Friday night will be NFCYM Night in the River Market District. Restaurants will offer special discounts to NFCYM members. For a small fee, participants can buy a wristband that provides access to clubs offering live entertainment. Participants are reminded to stay out of the hotel fountain after Friday’s festivities.

At the end of the River Market District is the Clinton Presidential Library, a major Little Rock tourist destination. The Library is open daily and is accessible by the city’s trolley line. The trolley stops in front of the Peabody and at several locations downtown.

One block north of the Peabody is the Old Statehouse, which served as the Arkansas capitol until 1936. It now is a museum of Arkansas governmental history and was the backdrop for Bill Clinton's election victory speeches.

Also on the trolley line, just a few blocks west of the Peabody, is the Territorial Restoration. This area has been developed into a living museum.

The Peabody offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the Little Rock airport, which is located 10 minutes from the hotel.

For those who wish to rise before the ducks (or any sane humans, for that matter), Morning Madness basketball will be played at 6 a.m. Thursday through Saturday at St. Edward’s Catholic School. No experience is necessary. Bring your own oxygen.