“Stars” craft Quilts of Valor as awards to service members and veterans

One military mother’s vivid dream has inspired volunteers across the nation to sew more than 230,000 quilts that have been awarded to service members and veterans. Meeting the local chapter of this national foundation, the River Valley Stars, reveals how that is possible.

Citizens of Gateway Park Shaped Fort Smith

Dedicated last month to the City of Fort Smith, a new park at Rogers and Garrison Avenues is a visual gateway to downtown and, historically, a gateway to both the past and future. It has three permanent citizens.

Piecing together the past

“I just couldn't get the picture of what I wanted out of my head and didn't know how to convey it to another person,” Sheila Humphrey said of a piece of artwork made with fabric. So she figured out how to do it herself, with the help of a friend. The result was an heirloom.

A beloved Christmas card collection tells many stories

Do you still send them? This scrapbook might convince you return to real Christmas cards, hand-written signatures, envelopes and postage stamps. Helen McLean of Fort Smith mounted the Christmas cards she and her mother, Alice, had saved from 1928 to the 1950s into an overstuffed scrapbook.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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12/14/19 - 12/14/19
Fort Smith Christmas Parade 2019

The annual Fort Smith Christmas Parade will be held downtown on Garrison Avenue. Those who wish to participate in the parade must register at eventbrite.com or on the Fort Smith Christmas Parade Facebook page. In the case of inclement weather, please check Facebook for updates. Make plans to celebrate the holiday season with the entire community.

12/14/19 - 12/14/19
The Nutcracker
Western Arkansas Ballet's 34th annual presentation of The Nutcracker includes a cast of over 100 local children and adults in this timeless holiday classic. Guest Artists are Taylor Sambola, from Cincinnati, Ohio, as Sugar Plum Fairy; Arcadian Broad, Cincinnati Ballet, as Cavalier; and Diego Miranda-Monsman, the University of Oklahoma as Nutcracker Prince. Tickets are $25 for adults or $15 for children/students (infa...

12/15/19 - 12/15/19
3rd Sunday Art Show

Every 3rd Sunday of the month, Michael's Mansion opens its art gallery. All works by local artists are for sale. Chef Mike serves complimentary refreshments.

12/15/19 - 12/15/19
The Nutcracker - Matinee Performance
Western Arkansas Ballet's 34th annual presentation of The Nutcracker includes a cast of over 100 local children and adults in this timeless holiday classic. Guest Artists are Taylor Sambola, from Cincinnati, OH, as Sugar Plum Fairy, Arcadian Broad, Cincinnati Ballet, as Cavalier, and Diego Miranda-Monsman, the University of Oklahoma as Nutcracker Prince. Tickets are available online or at Western Arkansas Ballet, 470...

12/15/19 - 12/15/19
Dailey and Vincent in concert
Grand Ole Opry Members, Five-time GRAMMY award winners individually, three-time GRAMMY award nominees collectively, Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent and their world class band return to the Alma PAC just in time for Christmas! Dailey and Vincent have spent the last decade bringing their blend of American music; defined as bluegrass, traditional country and gospel music, across the globe and to iconic venues such as Th...

11/30/19 - 12/31/19
The Perfect Gift: Library Books for Christmas!
Honor someone special while sharing your love of reading by donating to the Fort Smith Public Library’s fundraiser, The Perfect Gift: Library Books for Christmas From Nov. 30-Dec. 31, visit any Fort Smith Public Library to choose a book to add to the library’s collection in honor or memory of someone special. Children’s books are a $10 donation; adult books are a $25 donation. Proceeds go to the library’s materials f...

12/01/19 - 12/31/19
Fort Smith Public Library Holiday Food Drive
This event is all hours library is open - hours vary by location. Help out local families in need by donating to this year’s Fort Smith Public Library Holiday Food Drive. One in five people in our area are struggling, one in three rural Arkansas children live in food insecure homes. Drop off your non-perishable food items at any Fort Smith library location through the end of December. Donations will be accepted all h...

12/01/19 - 12/31/19
Appreciate Arkansas: Photographic Alliance of Fort Smith
This event is all hours that Main Library is open Original photography from the Photographic Alliance of Fort Smith will be featured at the photo exhibit, Appreciate Arkansas, through the end of December in the Community Room of the Main Library. The Photographic Alliance is a local organization for anyone interested in photography in the Fort Smith area. They offer members a wide variety of activities, photo com...

12/02/19 - 12/31/19
Community School of the Arts Announces Chamber Strings Registration and Audition
Community School of the Arts announces the registration and audition for Chamber Strings, an ensemble for teens who are proficient string players. Led by violinist Lori Fay, with assistance from faculty members Barbara Godette, Anthony Verge, and Cory Winters, the ensemble of 20-25 players performs advanced classical works for strings from Bach to contemporary music. The ensemble meets on Mondays from 6-7:30pm at St....

12/01/19 - 12/31/19
The Perfect Gift: Library Books for Christmas!
This event takes place at all four Fort Smith Public Library locations and at all times libraries are open Honor someone special while sharing your love of reading by donating to the Fort Smith Public Library’s The Perfect Gift: Library Books for Christmas fundraiser. Through December 31st, individuals may visit any Fort Smith Public Library location to choose a book to add to the library’s collection in honor or...