In 2011, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art put sleepy Bentonville, Arkansas, on the world art map. And the opening of the 21c, part of a growing brand of hotels known for their contemporary art collections in second-tier cities (Louisville; Cincinnati), is reinforcing that position.

• Edible Arrangements in Fayetteville
• Signed, Sealed, Delivered in Rogers
• Rick’s Bakery in Fayetteville
• Pinnacle Station Local Market in Rogers

Eureka Springs is a Victorian village that claims to be the only city in the U.S. whose entire historic downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a funky little artsy oasis filled with unique shops, art galleries, artist studios, restaurants and Victorian homes built into the picturesque Ozark mountainside.

Justin Timberlake arrived on stage in a hula skirt, reminiscent of Sam Walton’s famous Hula Dance on Wall Street, and entertained the crowd as he emceed throughout the morning. A bevy of entertainers surprised the crowd of around 14,000 associates and shareholders as the meeting moved along. Entertainment included the Zac Brown Band, Victoria Matlock, Juanes, Take 6, Ariele Macadangdang, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lionel Richie, Taylor Swift, and Celine Dion.

Here are more photos from the event. (Source: Walmart)

Shareholders heard from CFO Charles Holley, President of Walmart International Doug McMillion and CEO Mike Duke during the business portion of the meeting. The reports were rosy, as Walmart has seen improved comp-store sales in recent quarters and it’s share price has hit levels not seen in more than a decade.

Rob Walton, chairman of the board of directors, announced preliminary results of shareholder voting which showed that all 15 current board members were re-elected and Marissa Mayer of Google was elected as the 16th director. Shareholder proposals failed to receive the majority votes needed to pass.

The shareholders meeting wrapped up a long week of events, during which shareholders and associates were immersed in Walmart culture and history, and were entertained by artists such as Carrie Underwood, Chris Young, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick and several others.

Having a drink at the Press Room in Bentonville

Last night we went to the Press Room in downtown Bentonville, right off the square. There’s been a lot of buzz about this new coffeehouse by day/bar by night. The place was hopping, but we managed to snag the last seat in the house!

Press Room offers a little bit of something for everyone. I tried the manhattan and the pale ale (a local brew), and my friend had the Americano, a blend of hot water andespresso. They also serve food, although we weren’t eating tonight. The menu has light items like sandwiches and salads, and they have a full cheese menu served after 5:30 pm.

Lots of people were there meeting friends, on dates and hanging out. The wide window offered a view to the busy street, where there were tables for outdoor patrons. We’ll definitely be back to try the food!

Shareholders are required to bring an admittance slip, which  they should’ve received by mail. Otherwise, they can bring an account statement or other written proof of ownership of Walmart stock. A photo ID is also required for entry.

Walmart shareholders and associates from around the world have been enjoying the week in Northwest Arkansas in advance of the actual meeting on Friday.

On Tuesday night they were entertained by Carrie Underwood and Chris Young, followed by Aerosmith and Cheap Trick on Wednesday. They’ve been kept busy by tours of the Walmart Visitor Center and Crystal Bridges, visits to the Walmart Home Office and area Walmart Stores, as well as business meetings and training sessions.

This year Walmart issued tickets to Associates through Ticketmaster, so if you don’t have a ticket, you won’t be able to get in. (A couple of requests for tickets have been posted on Craigslist, but no sight of any sellers.)

UPDATE: Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler, who is also a host of American Idol, was reported sighted at a movie theatre in Rogers.

@RogersLana: What does rock star Steven Tyler do w/downtime when he comes to Rogers AR for #WMTShares? He sees #TheAvengers at @Malco Promenade Mall

Talk Business: Wal-Mart Shareholders’ Meetings: An Evolution

In the early days analysts and a few local shareholders would come to Bentonville for a routine meeting on Friday then they were treated to a special event on Saturday — a golf tournament in Bella Vista, a day of fishing on Bull Shoals Lake or floating and camping on Sugar Creek near Noel, Mo., according to Walton’s biography.

Walton shared a story of how one float trip nearly met with disaster when a few folks had difficulty “staying the boat after a few too many beers at the barbecue.” From then on alcohol was banned from the annual meetings.

NWAonline: Walmart Meetings Grow (subs req)

Shareholders meetings often featured a meal on the lawn of the Walton home near where the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art now brings art to small-town America.

“There was always lunch on Sam and Helen’s lawn,” said Ed Clifford, who retired from a Walmart career that started in 1984. Clifford heads the Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce. “Even after the meetings were held in Fayetteville, associates would take a bus up to their home and take a picture by their mailbox that said, ‘Sam and Helen Walton.’”

Tickets have been distributed to Walmart associates, so you may want to get in touch with a friend at Walmart if you want guaranteed admission. Although members of the public have been allowed to enter after all ticket holders at past shareholder concerts, it could be different this  year.

UPDATE: Aerosmith and Cheap Trick will be performing on Wednesday night, as we mentioned in a post last week. Tickets are also required for entrance to this concert.

UPDATE II: Word floating around is that Chris Young will be the “special guest” tonight. He tweeted earlier:

@ChrisYoungMusic: “In Fayetteville, AR tonight for a private gig. Been too long since I have been on the bus. Enjoying the hell out of it.”