In the days leading up to and immediately following Spring Diversity Weekend (April 3-6), a dozen couples from five states--Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Missouri and even Florida--signed up for the Eureka Springs Domestic Partnership Registry.

That brings the total number of registrants to 342 individuals (or 171 couples) from Arkansas and 10 other states.

Collectively, they have--in just under 10 months--boosted city revenues by $5,985 by ponying up $35 per couple for a Domestic Partnership Certificate.

Their collective impact on the local economy is incalculable. Or, rather cannot be calculated because no one tracks the spending of newly-hitched domestic partners. Yet.

But, if each couple spent a mere $200 on a hotel room, restaurant meals, drinks and souvenirs, that would translate into $34,200. If they stayed for the weekend and spent $1,000, then local cash registers would benefit to the tune $171,000.

Presumably, at least some of those couples came with friends and/or family members who spent as much or more as the happy couple themselves in art galleries, clothing stores, gift shops and nightclubs.

You do the math.

But the issue is--or should be--one of sense, not just dollars. Because the Eureka Springs Domestic Partnership Registry--the only one in the state, mind you--is an historic piece of legislation that acknowledges that loving and lawful adult relationships and families come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and flavors, each worthy of recognition and respect and honor.

For couples who will gladly drive or fly a thousand miles to have their primary adult relationship officially recognized by a municipality (at an average rate of 17 couples a month) demonstrates just how much deep personal meaning they attach to the notion.

Conversely, Eureka Springs should feel honored to be able to give them something they obviously regard as having great personal value--and may well not be able to get closer to home or in another vacation destination.

Imagine just how much more successful the Domestic Partnership Registry could be if it were actually advertised and promoted by the City of Eureka Springs or the Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce . . . .

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