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By CHRIS ROBINETTE
Traveler Correspondent

It's suppose to tout Ark City, but the billboard along Interstate 35 in Oklahoma leaves something to be desired.

Worn, faded and outdated, the sign isn't the impression tourism officials want people to see.

Local residents have complained about the sign -- near the Tonkawa, Okla., exit on I-35, south of Ponca City.

The sign advertises the Last Run Car Show, Arkalalah, River Valley Arts Festival and the Maverick Rodeo.

"It's an old, old sign," said Arkansas City Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Connie Kimsey. "(People are) just commenting that it's not a good image right now, as it stands, which we fully understand. . . which is why it's being worked on to replace it."

Kimsey said that she has not seen the sign lately, but described it as being in "pretty bad condition."

"At this time, it's not a good image, so we do want to replace that," she said.

The CVB is putting out bids for the sign. Kimsey estimates the replacement cost to be $1,500 to $2,000.

Above: Some locals see this worn billboard, along I-35 in Oklahoma, as a poor image for Arkansas City.