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EDITORS’ NOTES

Editorial Staff LINDA SEUBOLD Editor in Chief lindaseubold@efortsmith.com LYNN WASSON Managing Editor lynnwasson@efortsmith.com DONNA PAYNE Senior Editor donnapayne@efortsmith.com MARY JANE HENNIG Art Director Contributing Writers KARRIE KELLY BRITTANY RANSOM KRISTAN ROLAND Contributing Photographers GLENN GILLEY KARRIE KELLY REBA MIZE BRITTANY RANSOM KRISTAN ROLAND Cover photo by Nick Kyrouac used courtesy of the Dooly family Historical photos used by permission

Advertising Sales LINDA GILHAM Account Executive lgilham@efortsmith.com 479-629-0235 Advertising Coordinator KARRIE KELLY karrie@efortsmith.com 479-494-1888 CHARLES G. HUBBARD Corporate Sales charleshubbard@efortsmith.com 479-831-3995

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

S.W. “Bud” Jackson 1919-2018 As we went to press in February, we learned of the death of Mr. Bud Jackson. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Jackson was a founder of the Partners in Education program of the Fort Smith Public School District. Jackson long ago suggested that his family business, Weldon, Williams & Lick, become a helpful partner to nearby Howard Elementary. This program has grown to connect hundreds of business volunteer “partners” in service to the students of all Fort Smith public schools.

We pictured Mr. Jackson on our May 2002 cover in tribute to his brilliant idea. The image became an emblem of a Bud Jackson Award given annually to outstanding partnerships. That month, we received a note from one of Mr. Jackson’s daughters who was delighted to have noticed her father on the cover of an issue of this magazine while she was departing from the Fort Smith airport. Humbly, he hadn’t shown it her. We were not surprised in the least. – The Editors

CIRCULATION Entertainment Fort Smith is a monthly city/regional magazine published from February to December by eFortSmith.com Media, Inc. Entertainment Fort Smith distributes 30,000 complimentary issues per month.

SUBSCRIPTION Entertainment Fort Smith can be mailed to you for $30 per publication year (11 issues).

Complimentary issues are distributed in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, Greenwood and Barling, Ark., and in Roland, Muldrow, Spiro, Pocola, Poteau and Sallisaw, Okla., in retail and grocery stores, corporate offices, restaurants, medical offices, public libraries, visitor centers and tourist destinations. Complimentary issues are also provided in guest rooms of area hotels.

Download a subscription form from www.efortsmith.com

To order by credit card, call 479-494-1888.

Mail check or money order to: Subscribe P.O. Box 1341 Fort Smith AR 72902

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CONTENTS

March 2018

features

Family by choice

10 13 16

Lawn & Garden Show

The Five Civilized Tribes Celebrate with Fort Smith In Fort Smith’s 200th anniversary year, the Five Civilized Tribes visit to present a varied and educational cultural program with dance, art and music.

Making Home Work: The Dooly family Steven and Dustin Dooly and their children Anna Kate, Barrett, Bryce and Avi keep it real with a little help from their friends, their therapist, their church, schools and family. And sometimes, handcuffs.

So That This Soldier Will Never Fade Away: William Bradford Historical researcher Joe Wasson tells another story of an early and important figure of this city’s past. Maj. William Bradford spent five years raising the walls of the first military Fort Smith, yet is scantly noted by historians.

Spring is guaranteed at the River Valley Lawn & Garden Show No, the River Valley Master Gardeners do not command the weather, but their annual, indoor garden exposition brings spring to us March 23-25.

Take a Peek on a Fort Smith street of dreams Enjoy a pictorial spread of beautiful interiors of stately homes of Free Ferry Road at a moment when several of them are on the market.

departments

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Bringing Art Home

March Munchy Madness

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

Connie Wise Real Estate agents know “there’s no place like home.”

BEAUTY FOCUS Vanity Calls salon serves the personal style of all its clients.

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GARDENING All hail the vernal equinox. Reba Mize is getting ready to garden.

WHAT’S COOKING March Madness! Recipes to munch while watching basketball.

eve n t s

HOME PROS

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, concerts, shows and plays.

EVENTS FOR KIDS Activities all over for kids to love, plus outstanding youth theater.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS From bicentennial events to contemporary art exhibits, plenty to do in March.

On the cover: From left, Barrett, Bryce, Steven, Avi, Dustin and Anna Kate Dooly in downtown Fort Smith. Photo by Nick Kyrouac, used courtesy of the Dooly family.

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MARCH 3

The Five Civilized Tribes join Fort Smith’s Bicentennial

hen U.S. Army soldiers landed keelboats on the banks of the Arkansas River on Christmas Day 1817, they were not alone. Native Americans had long been dwelling in the region and more would soon be relocated here. The descendants of those varied peoples have a history here much longer than 200 years and will share it as a major, official event of the yearlong Bicentennial celebration. The Five Civilized Tribes – the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek and Seminole Nations – will come together March 3 for an all-day cultural festival of dance, music, storytelling, lectures, game demonstrations and more. Traditional arts such as weaving, pottery, basketry, painting, sculpture and samplings of traditional foods will be shared with the public by tribal members at this free festival. A handmade dug-out canoe and weaponry such as bows, arrows and blowguns will be exhibited. “The Fort Smith Bicentennial Committee has been working with the Five Civilized Tribes Inter-tribal Council and individual tribal leaders for several months to bring this incredible, collaborative event to the people of Fort Smith,” said Jim Perry, Bicentennial Celebration Committee chairman of arts and culture. “We are extremely grateful for their generosity and efforts to create this exciting and culturally rich experience for our community and neighbors.” “We are well aware of the historical significance the tribes have played in our history, especially the Trail of Tears and our National Historic Site,” said Mayor Sandy Sanders. “As an Oklahoma native who attended Sequoyah Elementary School in Oklahoma City, personally, I am very excited about the participation of the Five Tribes.” The goal of this bicentennial event is to create awareness of the cultural 8

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

influence and historical significance the Five Civilized Tribes have played throughout history as the city celebrates the 200th anniversary of the founding of Fort Smith. The first quarter of the year is devoted to cultural and historical subjects and observances. A series of performance, visual, literary and related cultural events are being held to entertain, educate and enlighten area residents about the culture and lifestyles of Fort Smith throughout history, up to the present day and beyond. All of those opportunities can be found in Entertainment Fort Smith and through gofortsmithar.com and a Facebook presence, “200 Fort Smith.”

In January, the cultural committee of the 200th celebration gave a concert of Alphonso Trent music. Presenters and performers included, from left, Bill Priakos, Jim Perry, Chris Cameron, Tabitha Gray, John McIntosh and, center, Don Bailey.

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PROGRAM OF EVENTS 10 a.m. Welcoming Remarks: Bicentennial Committee and Tribal Dignitaries Cherokee National Youth Choir, National Anthem 10:30 a.m. Chickasaw Stomp Dance in the Exhibition Hall Trail of Tears in the Presentation Room 11 a.m. Creek Nation - Exhibit Hall Cherokee Osivo TV – Presentation Room Noon Seminole Nation Program – Exhibit Hall Chickasaw Storytelling – Presentation Room 12:30 p.m. Cherokee Flute – Exhibition Hall 1 p.m. Chickasaw Stomp Dance 2 p.m. Creek Nation programs, both rooms 3 p.m. Seminole Nation Programs Chickasaw Removal – Presentation Room 3:30 p.m. Cherokee Youth Choir 4 p.m. Creek Programs Exhibits and demonstrations can be enjoyed all day, as well as these scheduled programs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Fort Smith Convention Center, 900 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark.

A broad, rich survey of Native American culture will be presented March 3, to include music by the Cherokee National Youth Choir (left), basketry by Cherokee National Treasure Mike Dart, Cherokee National Treasure flute player Tommy Wildcat, (right), weaving, painting, weaponry, foods and more.

March 2018 Entertainment Fort Smith

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Photo by Nick Kyrouac

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

Photo by Nick Kyrouac

addy is a law enforcement officer. Momma is an educator. They have four beautiful children, two girls and two boys. They’re engaged, loving, busy and they’re a – screeeech! – stop right there! Steven and Dustin Dooly would never let anyone describe them as “typical.” That comes from a mindfulness this couple shares. Both of them try, hourly, to maintain an open-hearted awareness, a golden-rule resolve to be honest and to treat others as they would like to be treated. But when they chose to create a family both by birth and adoption, they knew “typical” would not apply to them. The two are first to say it isn’t easy to live your faith, principles and love out loud as a policeman and a high school teacher, or as parents, and that they do it imperfectly. Easy? Comfortable? Humbly, that’s not how she sees their parenting. “No, this is awkward and hard,” said Dustin, who describes herself as the more assertive and blunt personality and Steven as quieter, more observational. “Do you know how hard it is to go to someone in humility and say, ‘I have no idea what I’m dealing with. Could you please help me understand?’ And he’s better at it.” “I’ve got more experience not having a clue what I’m doing,” Steven said, breaking up her intensity with humor – his great talent.

The Doolys will define themselves What they mean by help includes the care of a family therapist for all six of them and support they accept gratefully, from friends of every color. Because there it is, all over the outside of them. “Everyone can see us coming,” Dustin noted, with their two black and two white kids. They love their children equally for who they are inside and also face the possibility the world may regard two of the Doolys based on their outsides. Dustin is “typical” in this way: Mothers are only as secure as the current state of the child they’re most worried about at any given moment. That’s why she thinks everyone should have a family therapist. “Sometimes one of us needs her, sometimes it’s all of us,” she said.

Barrett, 12, Bryce, 11; Avi, 6 and Anna Kate,18

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Photo by Nick Kyrouac

Keeping it really real: Dustin, Northside cheerleader Anna Kate and Howard Elementary students Barrett, Bryce and Avi pose showing how they really feel about the first day of school.

Dustin and sons, right, all suited up for a 5K race. The kids in a leaf pile, below, and the entire family, grandstanding for the camera, bottom. Photo by Nick Kyrouac

Ph b Ni k K

Photo by Nick Kyrouac

Steven and Dustin started out a little differently and, perhaps, the harder way. They married in 1995 after she graduated from Alma High School and she pursued much of her education by commuting to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Anna Kate was born after Dustin earned her master’s degree; she completed her doctorate the same year Barrett was born. Dustin taught at Alma and then became head of Fort Smith Montessori School. Steven, who is older, seriously contemplated youth ministry as a career, then chose law enforcement. Mash up a blur of late nights and long hours as Phase 1 of their marriage. In 2011, after much prayer and preparatory counseling, the Doolys explored adoption. When they learned their prospective son, Bryce, had a baby sister, little Avi also became their daughter. Already deeply engaged with family, school, friends and the community, the Doolys more than doubled down to embrace and lovingly care for their children. It included placing their trust in a therapist. “That’s an important part of how we make it work,” Dustin said. “I think too many families know that they’re struggling and they need help, but have a stigma about needing help with mental health. We’re constantly knowing that we do,” she explained. “With adoption, children – at every new level of maturity – have a new understanding about loss, at different ages. They have to reprocess that at different times,” she said. “We had our therapist in place before the kids came home.” Dustin had sought an adoption counselor and grief/loss counselor – and fortunately found those abilities in one person. Therapy is helpful to every member of their family, applicable to every kind of relationship they have with one another, Dustin stressed. “In our home it sounds like this: ‘Sounds like you’re really struggling, is that something you’d like to talk to (their therapist) about?’ The kids consider her a friend.” And she quickly shoots down – hard – any notion she’s “Super Mom.” Recently, after the brothers had a big, messy fight, Dustin admitted in a hilarious Facebook post that she completely “lost it” and handcuffed them together with the threat they would stay that way until they made peace – which happened quickly. That was definitely done without the recommendation of a professional therapist, she pointed out. Mothers are gonna mother on some days! Many home snapshots reveal a Dooly family propensity to dogpile happily on top of one or both parents, or each other. It proves they (mostly) all get along rather well.

March 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

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This school year is one of big transitions for the Dooly family. “The littles,” as the family calls the boys and Avi, have attended Howard Elementary, a school they chose because it is led by black administrators and teachers. Bryce will move on to Darby Junior High, where his older sister attended. Anna Kate will graduate from Northside High School in May and is enrolled in the Honors Program at the University of Arkansas. She expects to rank second in her graduating class. This is her year – being captain of the cheer squad, along with milestones such as prom and graduation to come. Dustin, who teaches French at Northside, is present for some of these senior moments. Her dad does not miss many of them, either. And try to tell Avi, at 6, that she isn’t an official cheerleader. Their father also marked a graduation, earning a promotion to sergeant in the Fort Smith Police Department. He supervises patrol officers and intends to lead them to more community involvement. Steven surprised Anna Kate this summer by joining her in time to fly back from Germany, where she spent a few weeks with an exchange student the Doolys had hosted. As the oldest, Anna Kate has known all four international girls and one boy whom the Doolys have hosted. As if they weren’t busy enough. Dustin and Steven highly value travel. They budget to give the kids broad experiences in balance with material things. At Christmas, the parents pulled off a really big surprise: a family trip to Chicago. For “the littles,” it was the first trip to a major city. They saw all the landmarks, took pictures at Wrigley Field, visited the museums and saw the touring production of “Hamilton.” It is one of the busiest school years yet for all of them. Dustin is enormously grateful to Steven’s mother, Delona Dooly Nash, for driving the children to school for many years. Anna Kate now drives herself, but their grandmother chauffeurs the three younger kids to and from school. Their home schedule is a little different now that Dad has a new shift. The day still starts for almost everyone at a 7 a.m. breakfast. Everyone has afterschool chores and homework responsibilities to be done before Dustin comes home. Barrett and Bryce, and now Avi, play on Boys & Girls Club athletic teams and the family makes time to attend church and activities at Community Bible. They love the diverse church family and Sunday afternoon services. The magazine asks families how they “make home work.” Steven and Dustin are unusually honest and open about their lives and challenges they perceive. Perhaps they do it imperfectly, as they claim, but it is certain they do it with unstoppable love. – Lynn Wasson

Postcards from Europe 2017 Anna Kate Dooly traveled independently to Europe in summer 2017, before her senior year at Northside High School. She visited the family’s former exchange student in Italy and also toured in Amsterdam and Paris. Steven, her dad, surprised her by showing up at the end of her stay to make the return flight home together. Next for Anna Kate: the University of Arkansas

2017 Chicago Scrapbook

The young ladies and gentlemen, top left, cleaned up very nicely for a formal evening on the town in Chicago. They visited a (closed) Wrigley Field – Go Cubs Go! – and, at left, either took in a 3-D movie or were the Blues Doolys, on a mission from God. Photos courtesy of the Dooly Family

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So that this old soldier does not fade away, a history of William Bradford, first commander of Fort Smith

o learn about the first commander of Fort Smith, one first has to determine which William Bradford he was. The family of Fort Smith’s Bradford came to the colonies around 1627 from the area of England from which the well-known William Bradford of Mayflower fame had come seven years earlier. Ancestors of Fort Smith’s Bradford first settled in the Connecticut Colony before moving to the Virginia Colony in about 1662. Nathaniel Bradford Sr. traded with the Machapunga Indians for 200 acres later known as Bradford's Neck, near the present town of Wachapreague, Accomack County, Va. About 120 years later, Maj. Henry James Bradford of the 3rd Virginia Regiment was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine, a conflict between the American army under Gen. George Washington and the British commanders Howe and Cornwallis, Sept. 11, 1777. It was the largest battle of the Revolutionary War. Our side lost after 11 straight hours of fierce fighting, suffering more than 1,300 casualties. In 1788, Henry Bradford was awarded a land grant for his service and moved his family to the Tennessee Territory, near Hendersonville, Tenn. There, our Bradford was born, in 1787.

Henry Bradford built a two-story brick house in 1792, a year after he had been appointed a major in the Tennessee Territorial Militia. That home is still standing. Local preservationists are trying to prevent it from being razed. It is only 15 miles from The Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson, which likely became an important factor in Bradford’s military career. From reading Bradford’s surviving letters, it is evident he was well-educated. He wrote clearly, with proper punctuation and spelling. His father was a trustee of the Transmontania Academy near the Bradford home in 1806, which shows his family valued education. Coincidentally, James Winchester, a founder of Memphis, served with Henry Bradford on the board of the school academy and was his superior officer in the Tennessee Militia. Winchester later commanded William Bradford in the War of 1812. Winchester's grandson, the lawyer T.P. Winchester, moved to Fort Smith in the 1880s and is buried at Forest Park Cemetery. From a landed family, Bradford could have enjoyed a comfortable life but, instead, chose to become a career soldier. He would spend most of his life on the outskirts of civilization, battling the British, Canadians and native tribes.

With the exception of University of Arkansas-Fort Smith history professor Billy D. Higgins in his book “A Stranger and a Sojourner,” few historians have written much about Bradford. When Bradford joined the Kentucky Militia on Feb. 19, 1808, Kentucky was known as a “Dark and Bloody Land.” After the Revolutionary War, settlers poured into the Kentucky Territory, mostly from Virginia. As land was taken from Shawnee, Iroquois, Chippewa, Ottawa, Sac, Pottawatomie and Miami tribes, a state of war existed between the settlers and tribes determined to chase off the white intruders. Accounts of decades of atrocities, on both sides, are blood-curdling. In at letter after induction into the regular Army, Bradford reports he has had experience fighting Indians. He had attained the rank of lieutenant colonel commandant of the 40th Regiment of the Kentucky Militia by the time he was inducted into the U.S. Army with the rank of captain on April 15, 1812. He was ordered to Russellville, Ky., by Gen. Winchester to recruit. Bradford reports back two months later that he had recruited 56 men. March 2018

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Opposite page. Reproduction of a watercolor sketch of the first Fort Smith site by Samuel Seymour in 1820. The original of this sketch is on display at the Fort Smith Museum of History through March 31.

Bradford’s path to Fort Smith Those troops would be needed with the start of war in June. In November, Bradford was ordered to Fort Defiance, Ohio. The War of 1812 has been called the 25-year hangover caused by the American Revolution. The British were steamed about the American invasion of Canada in 1778 and had been harassing U.S. ships. British and Canadian trappers had a lock on the fur trade in the Northwest Territory and, not so secretly, the United States wanted to annex it. Fort Defiance was a staging area used by Gen. William Henry Harrison in planning to fight both the British and Indians. The future ninth president commanded the Army of the Northwest. Over a hard winter in 1812, some 4,000 troops were rushed to Ohio in preparation for a spring attack. In early 1813, Bradford, commander of his own company, would have helped to quickly construct a new stockade, named Fort Meigs. On May 1, 1813, the barely finished fort was attacked by British and Canadian troops led by Gen. Henry Procter. With him were about 1,200 warriors led by Shawnee chief Tecumseh and Wyandot chief Roundhead. On May 5, in heavy fighting, Bradford was wounded. One injury was minor but a gunshot to his left thigh would trouble him for the rest of his life. Records show his injuries laid him up for the rest of 1813, but he joined the big push to drive the British out of Michigan in the summer of 1814. He was publicly praised by his commanding officer. In August, while in Janesville, Ohio, he was promoted to brevet major and moved to the 19th Infantry. In November 1813, his brother Larkin, a year older, was killed in battle in Alabama. By December, Bradford’s health had declined again, to the point that a senior surgeon wrote recommending that “a Southern climate (would be) most congenial to the restoration of his shattered constitution.” Letters show the Army sent him to various places to recuperate, where, instead, he reported to the commanding as fit for duty. While at Fort Claiborne near Natchitoches, La., in 1816, he won a promotion over Maj. Joseph Selden, with a little nudge from Andrew 14

Entertainment Fort Smith

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William Bradford’s birthplace, now called the Bradford-Berry home, in a 1940 photograph from the Library of Congress. It is in present day Hendersonville, Tenn.

Jackson. He replaced Selden at Baton Rouge in February 1817 but soon was ordered to report to Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Smith at Belle Fontaine, Mo. He arrived in late October and reported on the Mississippi in November 1817, directed to go to the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau rivers where the fortification Bradford built would be named for Smith. By the time Bradford landed here on Christmas Day 1817, he was a battle-scared old war horse at only 30 years old. He oversaw construction of a log fort at Belle Point, near a high point on the Arkansas River with a commanding view in all directions. French trappers are credited with naming the place long before the soldiers arrived. What majors Stephen Long and Bradford saw in 1817 is not there today. Then, a high promontory rose where the rivers converged. In the 1830s, soldiers quarried the bluff to build the second fort, though today’s view is still pretty. Six days after Bradford and his men landed on the south side of the Arkansas River, he wrote to Andrew Jackson. In a letter dated Jan. 1, 1818, he says: ... I have the honor further to state to you I have them all comfortably situated together with a hospital for the sick, a store house for the public, a provision house for the contractor, and a hut for myself. In an 1819 letter to Jackson, addressed Fort Smith, Belle Point, Bradford mentions he has written to him 19 times since 1817. Perhaps Bradford wondered how many ever arrived.

His mission was to keep peace between the Osage and Cherokee people. In his first letter, Bradford reports he has met with chiefs of the Osage and Cherokees and also with Shawnees, Delaware, Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes. At this time, his men were still living vulnerably in crudely constructed huts, not a fort. Bradford also was finding it hard to feed his men. A November 1818 directive from headquarters instructed him to plant gardens following the outline in a book titled “American Gardener.” Orders also suggested that the troops raise corn and “have it milled.” When the September and November 1818 mail reached Fort Smith in March of 1819, Bradford replied, pointing out to the Washington desk jockeys that wild game was scarce, there were no mills to grind cornmeal, no seeds to plant and the promised garden book had never arrived. The next month he wrote to D.C. again complaining that land warrants for soldiers whose terms have expired had not arrived, that he was provided only a tiny supply of writing paper and had none of the required Army forms the headquarters wished him fill out. Worse, his troops had not been paid since 1817. And the Cherokees and the Osage were about to go to war again, he reported. Bradford received a letter in 1819 from Secretary of War John C. Calhoun, directing him to mark the line between Osage and Cherokee land and to remove white settlers who had claimed a portion of Northwest Arkansas Territory in violation of an 1818 treaty.

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It was on one such mission to eject whites from Osage land that Thomas Nuttall, the English botanist and zoologist, accompanied Bradford. They headed for the Red River on May 16, 1819, to explore the flora and fauna of this unknown region. Nuttall was separated and became lost for five weeks. He met many natives, discovered new plant species and had a wonderful time before running into a party heading back to Fort Smith. Nuttall's “Journal of Travels Into the Arkansas Territory: During the Year 1819” can be read free online. It is amazing this English innocent wasn't lost forever. By the end of 1820, conditions at the fort had improved under Bradford’s leadership. He commanded a larger number of troops and had recruited more men who had moved into the territory. The health of his troops was excellent and 80 fenced acres were under cultivation, including a small patch of tobacco. There were 100 head of cattle and 400 hogs. Some soldiers’ wives had arrived. Outside the fort, a little community was springing up that would become the city of Fort Smith. But there was trouble ahead for Bradford with an 1821 Army reduction of forces. As a major serving in a distant wilderness, he was likely to be discharged. The Territorial Governor of Florida, William Pope DuVal, wrote a letter to Calhoun in Bradford’s support. A charge had once been levied against Bradford claiming he was selling excess vegetables and beef and pocketing the money. Noted explorer and Indian trader Hugh Glenn wrote a spirited letter to Calhoun saying the charges were untrue. On Feb. 26, 1822, Col. Matthew Arbuckle became the second commander of Fort Smith. Bradford was retained as brigadier general of the Arkansas Militia by President Monroe. Perhaps because his brother-in-law, William Carroll, had been elected governor of Tennessee in 1821, Bradford next campaigned for Congress. His opponent was Henry W. Conway, a member of the “The Family,” a powerful Arkansas group made up of the intermarried Conway, Rector, Sevier and Johnson families. The Family ruled Arkansas from territorial days until the Civil War. This veteran soldier was no match for their political power. (Robert Crittenden, the official who certified the vote total, would later shoot and kill Conway in an 1827 duel.) In 1824, Bradford retired from the Army and was named the sutler of Fort Towson, Indian

Army plans for the first Fort Smith, courtesy of the Fort Smith Museum of History.

Territory. Sutlers were civilian contractors who sold provisions and supplies to the military. On March 12, 1825, apparently knowing he was dying, Bradford put in a request for a pension. He explained the cause of his disability and requested $30 per month. He received $15. Later that year, the Arkansas Gazette reports although Bradford had won election to the state legislature from old Miller County, he had not appeared in Little Rock to claim his seat. Bradford had died at Fort Towson on Oct. 20, 1826, after a long and painful illness. The paper guessed he was about 55 years old. In fact, he was only 39. He was survived by his first wife, Nancy, with whom he had three children. A second wife, Frances was listed as the executor of his estate. In the Nov. 14, 1826, edition of the Arkansas Gazette, the editor wrote of Bradford’s passing: Few men have been more actively or more usefully employed during their lives, and few have died more universally regretted by a large circle of acquaintances, than Gen. Bradford. It was perhaps a pat compliment. Bradford had hardly been known in the Arkansas territory capital. A more informed reckoning of his life would note that he had commanded, in a wilderness,

the building of what was even then becoming a thriving Arkansas town. The term “Indian fighter” served as praise in Bradford’s military era and he had been a military colleague of Andrew Jackson, who took every opportunity to defeat, oppress and, ultimately, foment the great removal of eastern tribes to Indian Territory. Although he fought Native Americans in his early years in the Kentucky militia and later in the U.S. Army, he had spent almost five years in constant negotiations with many tribes at Fort Smith. Never once did he or troops under his command attack them, although as a commander on the frontier, he could have. No likeness of Bradford, as a sketch or a painting, is known. But he leaves a legacy of a now 200-year-old city. – Joe Wasson To learn more, visit the Fort Smith National Historic Site to stand at the first fort site. On its website, the park has an account of Bradford’s advocacy for a disabled solder. nps.gov/fosm See the original Seymour watercolor at the Fort Smith Museum of History. Read the book “A Stranger and a Sojourner” by Billy D. Higgins. March 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

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MARCH 23-25

Inspiration and know-how can be found at the Lawn & Garden Show very year, the cure for gardeners’ winter blahs comes with the River Valley Master Gardeners Lawn & Garden Show. Held indoors at the Fort Smith Convention Center, nothing can stop the flowers from blooming and green things from growing. This three-day exposition, with educational seminars and interesting vendors, signals that the growing season is about to begin. Master Gardeners is a community program of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. To fulfill its mission to educate, the group presents free classes and demonstrations at the show and year-round at its demonstration gardens and classroom. Commercial garden centers and landscapers compete to create spectacular garden displays with water features and living flowers. Vendors offer lawn and garden tools, outdoor furniture and storage buildings, gazebos, living plants and other gardening products. The show includes the Fort Smith Council of Garden Clubs' annual flower design show and horticulture judging, as well as a photography contest and exhibit by the Photo Alliance. Children can find fun such as facepainting and, this year, a “Heartland Choo-Choo” train provided by Anne and Wayne Porter. Kids can pose as the engineer or on the caboose for photos. Proceeds from the show help to support the projects of the Master Gardeners at its facility, the Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing, where they hold classes create hands-on demonstration gardens.

A “Garden Lady” character will be reading her garden book at the Lawn & Garden Show’s entry pergola. Soft sculpture by Susan Horton.

Master Gardeners give thousands of hours of volunteer service as well, tending to the landscape at the Convention Center, a meditation garden at Sparks Regional Medical Center, in city parks, at Miss Laura’s Visitor Center, the Clayton House and other public sites. The Master Gardeners always cultivate in an environmentally gentle way to encourage honeybees and pollinators, increase food yields, improve soil and conserve water. All of their knowledge is shared with the public through educational programs. Admission is $5, good for all three days. Children 11 and under are free. 10-a.m.-6 p.m. March 23-24; ;10 a.m.-5 p.m. March. 25. Fort Smith Convention Center, 900 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark.

Guest experts, educators and local gardeners giving free talks: Friday Matt Fryer Perfect Soil for Gardens Calvin Bey Organic Gardening Berni Kurz Container Gardening Pat Robbins Photographing Flowers

Saturday Ralph Cooper All About Roses Sherri Smith Rose Diseases Jenny Burbidge Landscape Ideas H.C. Varnadore Getting Rid of Moles & Gophers

Sunday Susan Horton All About Strawberries Mike Richardson Turf Grass Management Bradley Martin Orchids

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YOUR CHOICE WANTED

GRIT Award Call for Nominations Restaurant Partner Nominees show community involvement, positively promote Fort Smith, demonstrate pride in Fort Smith heritage, and deliver quality service to visitors, tourists and convention groups. Lodging Partner Hotel, motel or bed and breakfast that is located in Fort Smith. Nominees positively promote and proactively draw people to Fort Smith through custom sales and outreach, show community involvement, demonstrate pride in Fort Smith heritage, and deliver quality service to visitors and convention groups. " 5-. 5 .5." 5 ),.5 '#."5 )(0 (.#)(5;5 #-#.),-5 /, /5#-5,)&&#(!5)/.5." 5 ((/ &5 1 , -5 , ')(35.)5 , )!(#4 5." 5 ,#!". -.5-. ,-5) 5 ),.5 '#."[-5!,)1#(!5 .)/,#-'5#( /-.,385 (5 *,#&5gh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

Go to FortSmithGRIT.com or Scan this QR code

to be directed to the online nomination form.

Attraction Partner Must be located in or near Fort Smith; includes Eastern Oklahoma. Nominees hold events to promote themselves and Fort Smith, demonstrate pride in Fort Smith heritage and continuously improve and refresh their facilities, programs or exhibits to create an exciting experience for visitors. Business Partner of the Year Must be a business or corporation located in Fort Smith. Nominees should show vision and leadership within the community in regard to the future of Fort Smith tourism, demonstrate pride in Fort Smith's heritage, seek to engage and support the Fort Smith tourism community through positive promotion and representation of Fort Smith, and deliver/support quality service to visitors, tourists and convention groups. Polly Crews Hospitality Person of the Year These nominees are known to go above and beyond the call of duty to promote Fort Smith and seek opportunities to engage and support the Fort Smith tourism community. Most importantly, these nominees demonstrate leadership and vision within the community in regards to the future of Fort Smith tourism.

The Not-So-Fine Print: How to Nominate Someone for a Fort Smith GRIT Award:

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Avenue of Dreams

Since the turn of the 20th century, Free Ferry Road has been a local avenue of dreams for many passers-by who may have wondered what its large and gracious homes look like, inside. By coincidence, several stately Free Ferry homes are currently on the market and a group of them is represented by Warnock Real Estate. Just for the beauty and interest, Entertainment Fort Smith asked to show some of the outstanding photography of three homes. We spoke with Clif Warnock about this prestigious array of properties for sale and his professional outlook on the local real estate market. “The trend of ‘high-end’ home sales in Fort Smith is at a point where, coupled with the economic outlook, we forecast a very strong 2018 in this category of the market,” Warnock said. “Some historic homes in Fort Smith have been restored with modern finishes and upgrades while maintaining the classic character,” he noted. “When the older homes are upgraded to today's style and finishes, they are unmatched.” As our interest is only to share a glimpse of these distinctive homes, we suggest a closer look at warnockrealestate.com to learn more. “My firm's services are the same for any client regardless of the listed price, but we are fortunate to have agents who are knowledgeable and experienced in high-end home sales, as well,” Warnock said. We’ll let him praise his agents because we enjoyed choosing and publishing these lovely pictures. After all, we like to look, too! – The Editors 18

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

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“

Today's construction materials do not compare with the incredible quality of materials used in mid-century construction. – Clif Warnock

March 2018

”

Entertainment Fort Smith

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DESIGNER NOTES

Agents Donnie Wise, Glenda Wise, Connie Wise and Amy Baker

They do more than click their heels to find a home ike Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” the Connie Wise Real Estate team believes that truly, there is “no place like home.” The company even has Dorothy’s ruby slippers on its logo. The Poteau-based agency has been helping folks find places to live, work and play for the past 17 years. Connie Wise and her agents take great pride in caring for their clients and in going the extra mile to help purchase or sell properties. Broker Amy Baker believes there are wonderful advantages to homeownership, but, often, people become overwhelmed by the process. “I think they sometimes don’t know where to start. That’s where we can help. We can get them in touch with lenders, so they can see what they qualify for,” she said.

Licensed in Oklahoma and Arkansas, the firm has listings spread throughout the region including Poteau, Sallisaw and Wister, Okla. Over the last two years, they have expanded into Arkansas, with properties as far east as Ozark and Paris. These include commercial spaces, acreage and residential listings. Homes range in price, size and amenities, with everything from fixer-uppers to residences that are ready for a family to move into immediately. A mix of ongoing development and vast tracts of scenic land provides buyers with tremendous options when searching for a place to call their own. “We have seen an influx in this area of people from places such as California, who are wanting to move back here and have a lot of acreage,” Baker said.

Wise agents represent buyers and sellers of homes and properties of all sizes and values, in two states. 20

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

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DESIGNER NOTES

Beautiful land available in Poteau

She and her colleagues can help customers narrow their search by answering questions about a city’s cost of living, including taxes and utilities. Agents will gladly walk firsttime buyers or experienced homeowners through each step. The team can also assist in coordinating the moving or storing of a client’s belongings. They also assist home sellers. With warmer weather on its way, Baker said it is a great time to start preparing houses to go on the market. “Spring and summer tend to be our busiest months. We are happy to come in and help customers see what they can do to get their home ready to sell.” Agents will consult with clients on what changes might help them get top dollar for their property. In addition to their knowledge of the regional real estate market, the Connie Wise team has agents with construction backgrounds who can answer customers’ questions about their property. The well-established firm also has a wealth of connections throughout the area to help tackle any challenge buyers or sellers might encounter. “We have lots of different contacts – handymen, landscapers, painters, movers, you name it – that we can recommend to our clients or that we can go to with our questions. We believe that being willing to go above and beyond, and this commitment to high-quality service is what sets us apart,” Baker said. All Wise Real Estate listings can be found online and agents welcome calls with questions.

Connie Wise Real Estate 2825 North Broadway Street, Poteau, Okla. 918-647-4257 conniewiserealestate.com March 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

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goodies

Denim skirt and bell sleeve top found at Clothologie.

A collection of Bailey’s Irish Cream available at In Good Spirits.

Container succulents and appliqued Easter kitchen towels from Neumeier Nursery & Greenhouses.

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

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goodies

Boys blue whale swim shorts and hat and a girls two-piece swimsuit and sun hat from Katiebug’s.

Aveda Be Curly hair care products at Metropolis Hair Studio.

Spa and bath products by inSPAration available at Luther Stem Pools & Spas.

March 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

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goodies

Assorted barbecue sauces available at Paul’s Meat Market. Ladies leather jacket and face mask from Old Dog Leather.

Lightweight slip-on kids shoes by Native found at Polka-Dotted Zebra.

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

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goodies Beautiful floral dinnerware found at Designer Again.

Sama sunglasses available from Dr. Steven Stiles Eye Group. Metal butterfly wall art from Jennifer’s Gift Shop inside Sparks Medical Center.

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

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goodies Muse iQ rechargeable hearing aids found at the Center for Hearing.

Power lift recliners available at Coleman Pharmacy.

Easel chalkboard and bunny planter from The Goods.

March 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

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goodies

Sleek running belts by FlipBelt available at True Grit Running Co.

Home accessories arriving daily at Mike’s Furniture.

200th anniversary merchandise found at GoFortSmithAR.com.

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

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goodies

Matrix Total Results Brass Off line found at Vanity Calls.

Under Construction: Rolex watches will soon have a new room at Newton’s Jewelers. Rinse Bath & Body Co. products and A-frame planter available at The Potting Shed.

March 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

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goodies

Handmade art jewelry available in the gift shop at Regional Art Museum.

White vase with silk red tulips and blue terrior teapot from Vintage Finds. Cupid ankle boots found at Firefly Boutique & Gifts.

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

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FASHION & FITNESS

Sherry, Yasmine, Owner Candace, Jetta and Michelle

Get Beautified at Vanity Calls

anity Calls is a true one-stop shop for beauty, offering personal care and pampering from head to toe. The shop specializes in helping clients look their best, no matter their age or style. Owner Candace Carter started as a hairstylist 18 years ago. Her early clientele included many ladies of an age who preferred to have their hair done weekly. Over the years, Candace rolled countless curlers and still does – but her customers are of all ages. Her clients are now young and elder, requesting styles from the most traditional to slightly “out there.” “We cover pretty much everything,” explained Candace of her talented team. On Vanity Calls’ social media pages, the shop regularly posts photos of its most unique creations, which include creative hair coloring and even hair “tattoos.” They also share pictures of some of their more classic work and modern styles.

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

Candace also is a nail technician, showcasing her eye for detail in intricate manicures and pedicures. Her work includes freehanded nail art and stamping of creative designs. Each of the stylists also enjoy experimenting with vintage styles, such as pin-up hairstyles, as well as funky trends for hair and makeup. At Halloween, they showed off some of their “antics,” with plays on animals, Disney characters and spooky villains. They do beautiful braids and rainbow-inspired hair colors. “The more fun, the better. I love it, because I never get bored,” Candace said. In addition to hair and nails, Vanity Calls offers an array of beauty treatments such as facial and body waxing, eye lash extensions, brow tints and facials. Licensed massage therapist Sherry Jones can help customers relax and provide relief from tension with her use of a variety of therapies, including Swedish, hot stone and aromatherapy massage treatments. The salon also stocks professional hair products by Matrix and nail care products. A boutique within the store features makeup brushes and other tools of make artistry and hair care, as well as fun gifts such as candles that burn down to reveal jewelry inside. At the heart of all they do, Candace and her incredible staff aim to give their clients the best experience possible. All attend classes and shows

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FASHION & FITNESS

to help them deliver upon customers’ requests and keep their ideas trending with the latest fashions. “We do lots of continuing education. This helps us to see what is coming out and what people are doing,” Candace said. They also strive to meet their clients’ individual needs and comfort. Snacks and drinks are complimentary. The shop also has a handicapaccessible sink, bathroom and building entrance. One stylist is bilingual, making it easier to communicate with clients and families for whom English is a second language.

Vanity Calls 3514 Country Club Avenue, Fort Smith 479-658-3514

March 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

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GARDENING

Good things to do while you’re waiting to start gardening

recently peeked under my oakleaf hydrangea to see how my Trout Lily was coming along. It’s a plant that was given to me by my good friend Helen Taggart, who, at 90-something, could no longer see but still enjoyed her yard. The Trout Lily is one of the harbingers of spring and I also am heartened that it has survived two major moves. As I pulled back the limbs of the oakleaf, a baby rabbit was startled and hopped away. I left so the baby could believe in the safety of its spot. When I went back later, I made sure to make enough noise to alert the little bunny. There was my trout lily, named for its leaves, waiting to tell me it is almost time – as it has been every year for at least 30 years.

March 20 is the vernal equinox, when we receive the gift of three extra minutes of sun. It’s the gift that keeps giving as daylight gets longer. The vernal equinox has been celebrated by most every society from the ancient Mayans to Druids to current-day gardeners. The Farmer’s Almanac, first published in 1792, also uses a complex series of natural cycles to predict the weather. This secret formula is kept in a vault in a tin box at the almanac’s offices. You can receive this knowledge by buying your own copy. I agree that March is the cruelest month because of the extreme temperature fluctuations. In historic months of March, our area has had record-setting highs and lows from 94 to 7 degrees. Knowing that and planting anyway is what separates the gardeners from the people who like flowers. So, what shall we do while waiting for the temps to settle? Plenty. 34

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

Clockwise from top left: clean out your flower and vegetable beds by removing everything that isn’t a perennial. Add mulch to your cleaned beds and garden areas and turn it lightly into the earth. Clean, lubricated and sharpen your good garden tools.

You can’t plant yet, so clean up If you are like me and leave your seed heads on plants to feed the critters and give winter interest, now is the time to get busy cleaning up your garden. Clean up any leftover seed heads. Carry a sack into the garden to save any seeds the birds haven’t eaten, to reseed at the best time. Rake up leaves and pick up broken limbs and other debris. Getting this up close with your garden gives you a chance to assess its overall health. Pull up the early weeds before they get a chance to get a good foothold. Add the healthy yard debris to a new compost pile. Trash any diseased material. Learning what your seedlings look like is one of the most important lessons any gardener should learn – just so you won’t pull up those fabulous larkspurs thinking they are a weed. Now is the time your compost will come in handy as you should add a good layer of organic matter to your newly cleaned beds. Whack your ornamental grasses back so the new growth will be able to shine.

Free plants! Divide perennials All of us like free plants. Now is a good time to get them, right from your own yard. Most perennials will benefit from being divided every few years. It helps to protect from fungus and diseases that breed in overcrowded beds. Respacing plants also prevents insect problems. Dividing most plants is really very simple. Use a sharp spade to cut around the plant you want to divide. This year, I am going to continue dividing my phlox and lilies. Place the dug up portion of the plants in a wheelbarrow. Make sure you get a good root ball. Use a sharp knife to divide clumps. Place one of the original pieces back in the hole you dug. Refill with good compost, cover with a nice mulch and water it in. You are then free to replant the other pieces in your yard, or give them away. If you don’t have a place right now, park divided plants in a flower pot for later transplanting. Dividing almost all perennials will encourage them to stay healthy and keep their blooms large and beautiful.

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GARDENING

Read, order seeds and make plans Some March days are cold and wet or both. On those days, go inside and look through plant catalogs and your own garden journal to see where you need to fill in a space. If you have not already ordered seeds or gone by your local garden center, now is the time! Look at all the new and exciting plants that these dedicated seed sellers have traveled the world or, in some cases, back in history to bring to your home garden. They have great names like Sweet Kiss, Night Sky, Dancing Girls. (I want the job choosing the enticing names for the stunningly beautiful plants.) Purple, black and brown are not how most of us would describe a tasty tomato. These varieties are being hailed this season as some of the best tasting tomatos available. Herb seeds, with many uses from sweetening teas to improving health, are now readily available. Fruit seeds can be purchased for Goji Berries to Kiwis to sweet Arkansas strawberries. Right about now, we are being enchanted by early flowering trees and bushes, as well as spring blooming bulbs. This is a great time to decide what you want to plant in fall. If you see an beautiful azalea or tulip, pull over and ask. Most gardener are happy to talk. Soon, everywhere you turn – from the garden center to the grocery store – will be enticing you with beautiful and delicious live plants for your spring and summer garden. Don’t buy too soon, but don’t let the good stuff get away, either.

Go to the Lawn & Garden Show What a lifesaver this is! The River Valley Master Gardeners hold their huge, indoor Lawn & Garden Show March 23-25 precisely because they, too, are about to lose their minds waiting for winter to get over with. Grab a friend to go with you to the Convention Center and enjoy this spring gardening ritual. Everyone there is just itching to dig and plant. There are experts with degrees and experts with plain old folk knowledge and experience and all of them will talk with you! Stop fearing your roses. Specific groups such as the Fort Smith Rose Society can hand you helpful literature and talk you through the March chore of pruning your roses, step by step. The Master Gardeners include members who are flower gardeners and farmers of fruits and vegetables. Whichever kind of gardening you like, these folks are incredible teachers and resources, problem solvers and encouragers. You can listen to talks in seminars and shop for seeds without guilt. You may even buy some living plants if you’re optimistic and the weather forecast is promising. Clean up, make plans and be patient just a little while more. Spring is going to come. Garden writer Reba Mize often mixes in memories, travel, food and fun in her articles. She says this is the hardest month of the year to live through, waiting for the true gardening frenzy to begin. March 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

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WHAT’S COOKING

PULLED PORK SANDWICHES WITH HONEY BARBECUE SAUCE

SLAM DUNK GAME GRUB 38

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

Pork Rub 1/4 cup sugar 1 tbsp. chili powder 2 tsp. paprika 11⁄2 tsp. seasoned salt 11⁄2 tsp. garlic powder 11⁄4 tsp. onion powder 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. pepper 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Roast 1 bone-in pork shoulder roast (4 pounds) 2 cups hickory chips 1 cup water 11⁄2 cups barbecue sauce 11⁄2 cups honey 1 cup ketchup 8-10 rolls Chopped jalapeno peppers (optional) Chopped onion (optional) Chopped pickles (optional)

Pork Rub: Stir together sugar, chili powder, paprika, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cumin, pepper and cayenne pepper. Massage Rub over surface of pork and let stand 30 minutes. Roast: Soak hickory chips in water; drain well. Wrap chips in foil; punch holes in foil and place on top of gas grill set on high. When chips begin to smoke, place pork on grill and cook until well browned on all sides with lid closed, about 30-45 minutes. Heat oven to 300 degrees. Remove pork from grill and place in turkey-size oven bag in large, shallow baking dish. Add water and

seal well; pierce bag several times with small knife. Cook 3-31⁄2 hours or until meat is tender and pork bone can be removed easily. Remove from oven. Remove bone and set aside until cool enough to handle. Shred meat into small pieces, removing fat. Add juices from cooking bag, skimming off excess fat. Sauce: In saucepan, stir together barbecue sauce, honey and ketchup, cooking until hot and honey has dissolved. Stir most of sauce into shredded pork and mix well. Serve on rolls and drizzle with remaining sauce. Top with jalapenos, onions and pickles, if desired.

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WHAT’S COOKING

CRISPY BAKED BUFFALO CHICKEN WINGS 4 pounds chicken wings 2 tbsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt Nonstick cooking spray 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup hot sauce 1/2 cup chunky blue cheese or ranch dressing 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles Carrots Celery Lay wings on rack on rimmed baking tray and let dry in refrigerator overnight, or pat dry with paper towels. Heat oven to 250 degrees. Put one oven shelf in lower quarter of oven and one in top quarter. Place wings in large resealable bag. Add baking powder and salt. Shake bag to coat wings evenly. Line tray with foil. Spray rack on baking tray with nonstick spray. Place wings skin side up on rack. Bake on lower shelf 30 minutes. Move tray to higher shelf and turn oven up to 425 F. Bake 40-50 minutes, rotating tray halfway through. Wings are done when they are dark, golden brown and skin is crispy. While wings bake, whisk together butter and hot sauce; keep warm. Remove wings from oven and toss with hot sauce; sprinkle immediately with blue cheese crumbles. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing, carrots and celery sticks. March 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

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WHAT’S COOKING

BRUSCHETTA-TOPPED HUMMUS Bruschetta 2 cups multi-colored cherry tomatoes 1 clove garlic, minced 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped 1 tbsp. olive oil, plus additional Salt, to taste 1 10-oz. container classic hummus Bruschetta: Cut cherry tomatoes into quarters or eighths, if large. Place in small mixing bowl. Stir in garlic, basil and olive oil, and season with salt, to taste. Scoop hummus out of container and swirl onto serving plate. Top with bruschetta and drizzle with touch of olive oil, if desired. Serve with fresh vegetables or pita chips.

Recipes and photography provided by Family Features.

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

MUSIC

& performance

March 1 Fort Smith Musical Coterie This program will feature National Federation of Music Clubs students of Tanya Ellezian who will be performing for Gold Cup awards at the March NFMC Festival at UAFS. Also featured will be the UAFS Guitar Ensemble directed by David Holland. 10-11:30 a.m. Oak Cliff Baptist Church, 3701 Gary Street, Fort Smith, Ark.

Avett Brothers March 1 The Avett Brothers A special evening with bluegrass/folk-rock/Americana band, The Avett Brothers featuring the Grammy nominated band in an intimate setting. $42-$52. 8 p.m. BOK Center Cox Business Arena, 100 Civic Center, Tulsa, Okla. ticketmaster.com

St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl MARCH

Restaurants and bars of downtown Fort Smith will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a refillable commemorative cup good for specials at all participating locations. Live music and entertainment themed to St. Patrick’s Day will be going on at many popular locations after 5 p.m. Participating establishments include:

Arlie Muck's Tavern Bricktown Brewery Core Public House Hero's Kinkeads Kelts on Garrison La Huerta Grill on Garrison

Old Town Papa's Pub & Pizzeria R Landry's New Orleans Cafe Roosters on the Avenue Sake Sushi & Martini Bar The Sound Room

Rent March 2-4 “Rent” 20th Anniversary Tour In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway and forever changed the landscape of American theater. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s “Rent” continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A reimagining of Puccini's La Bohème, “Rent” follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters – love. $60 and up. Five performances. Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 tickets.waltonarts.org March 3 Snow White and Other Dances Western Arkansas Ballet presents a 2:30 p.m. matinee performance of their new story ballet, “Snow White and Other Dances,” at the ArcBest Corporation Performing Arts Center. “Snow White” features a cast of 60 local dancers. $15-25. 7:30 p.m. ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 4797850152 waballet.org March 2018 Entertainment Fort Smith 41

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE March 10 CMT Women of Country Tour Sara Evans featuring Raelynn & Kalie Shorr 8 p.m. Centerstage, Choctaw Casino, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Ok. 888-652-4628

March 5 BOK Center: Pink Pop icon Pink announces her Beautiful Trauma World Tour 2018. $47-$208. BOK Center, 200 South Denver Avenue, Tulsa, Okla. ticketmaster.com

Terri Clark March 9 Terri Clark & Suzy Bogguss Continuing their bond from their Chicks with Hits tour last year, country artists Terri Clark and Suzy Bogguss perform in one show. 8 p.m. Cherokee Casino, 109 Cherokee Boulevard, Roland, Okla. 800-256-2338

Gabrielle Gore as Belle March 9, 10 Beauty and the Beast Community School of the Arts presents Beauty and the Beast, presented by students of this local, national award-winning youth theatre company. Directed by Thesa Loving, musical direction by Gini Law and Sheila Mann. Choreography by Jennifer Woodside. Anderson. Musical arrangements by George Mann. $10-12; group rates available. Evening and matinee performances. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

Frank Warren March 9-10 PostSecret: The Show PostSecret: The Show is an immersive, poignant journey through the humor and humanity of the personal stories we keep to ourselves, and on rare occasions, share with others. Projected images, videos, three actors and a guitarist guide the audience through crowdsourced narratives revealing the true stories behind the secrets. See the hopeful, shocking or painful secrets that brought hundreds of millions to the PostSecret blog, became six best-selling books and are currently in a Smithsonian art exhibition. Frank Warren, internet phenomenon and recipient of the Mental Health Advocacy Lifetime Achievement Award, collaborated with an award-winning team of theater professionals to bring PostSecret to life, theatrically, for the first time. It’s a breakthrough in audience sourced storytelling, reminding audiences that secrets can be both walls and bridges. $25.7:30 p.m. March 9. 2 and 8 p.m. March 10. Starr Theater at Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 tickets.waltonartscenter.org. March 10 Big Daddy Weave Concert with Brandon Heath Big Daddy Weave is hitting the road for the Jesus I Believe Tour with special guest Brandon Heath. The tour will feature beloved Christian music artist Brandon Heath, a five-time Grammy-nominated singer/ songwriter. Heath is debuting his sixth studio album titled Faith Hope Love Repeat, featuring the hit single “Whole Heart.” $20. 7 p.m. East Side Baptist Church, 2710 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 714-545-8900 transparentproductions.com/events /big-daddy-weave-fort-smith

Sara Evans March 10 Panty Parade, An All Burlesque Review The Devine Dames and company perform different styles of burlesque routines. Show starts at 9 p.m. 21+ non-smoking venue; beer and wine available for purchase. $10 general admission. VIP tables available. 9-11 p.m. Tha Ave, 3211 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-561-9743 March 14-April 8 T2 Presents the New lay Vietgone The new play “Vietgone” is the classic, all-American boy-meets-girl story – except this boy and girl are refugees from the Vietnam War, newly settled in a relocation camp in Fort Chaffee, Ark. Borrowing from up-to-the-minute pop culture to recreate the playwright’s own parents’ meeting, “Vietgone” ranges from hilarity to heart-wrenching drama, skipping through time and around the globe. Fresh from an acclaimed 2017 New York debut, it was authored by an Arkansas native, Qui Nguyen. “Vietgone” is a theatrical take on his real family’s history. He is an notable second-generation writer, one of what is so far only a small number of writers who are addressing the experience of Vietnamese people forced, by war, to seek new lives in the U.S. Nguyen was born in El DoQui Nguyen rado, Ark., where his parents lived after relocating through Fort Chaffee. He is a playwright, TV/film writer and co-founder of the OBIE Award-winning Vampire Cowboys of NYC, credited for being the pioneers of "geek theatre." Nguyen writes in a voice and rap Kholoud Sawaf verse from his own time, while respecting the different life experience of his parents. The play is directed by an immigrant from Damascus, Syria. Kholoud Sawaf is Theatre Squared’s artist-in-residence, a recipient of the 2017 Classical Directing Fellowship from the Drama League in New York. She earned an MFA in Directing from the University of Arkansas. $10-$44. Twenty performances, times vary. Theatre Squared, Studio Theatre, 505 West Spring Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 tickets.waltonartscenter.org

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Driving Miss Daisy

Gilyard and Wilson in TV series March 15 Driving Miss Daisy “Driving Miss Daisy” is a timeless story about diversity, friendship and a developed understanding of one another in times of change. Set against a backdrop of changing world events between 1948 and 1973, a well-off, white Southern widow and her patient, black chauffeur journey from suspicion and mistrust to respect and deep-rooted affection. This production stars Clarence Gilyard and Sheree J. Wilson, actors who had prominent roles in the TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger.” Gilyard also had a long-time role in the TV series “Matlock.” Prior to appearing as the girlfriend of the star on “Walker,” Wilson portrayed the character April Stephens Ewing on the hit series, “Dallas” Tickets $25-$44. 7:30 p.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org March 21 AAC Live Presents Kaia Kater Born in Montreal, Kaia Kater has lived in Winnipeg, Quebec and most recently, West Virginia. She now resides in Toronto. Her old-time banjo-picking skills, deft arrangements and songwriting abilities have landed her in the spotlight in North America and the UK, garnering critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, CBC Music and The Roots Music Report. Often praised for her capacity to sound new and old at once, Kater anchors her music the space where tradition and innovation intersect. 7:30 p.m. Artist, Audience & Community Live!, 801 North A Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-719-8931 artistaudiencecommunitylive.com Kaia Kater

NPR Affiliate for over 30 years

March 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

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March 21 Lorde Lorde’s 2018 North American Melodrama World Tour, with Run the Jewels and Tove Styrk. $39.50-$99.50. 7 p.m. BOK Center, 200 South Denver Avenue, Tulsa, Okla. ticketmaster.com

Giraldo and Benatar

LIVE Gilleys at Choctaw Casino 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-745-3000 choctawcasino.com

Cherokee Casino 109 Cherokee Boulevard, Roland, Okla. cherokeecasino.com

March 2 Randall King 9 Joe Diffie 10 Hunter Hutchinson 16 Austin Allsup 17 Blackhawk 23 Aaron Copeland 24 Franky Perez 30 Koe Wetzel 31 Rain Kings

March 2 Jabe Burgess 3 Jabe Burgess 9 Terri Clark and Suzy Bogguss 9 George Brothers 16 The Romantics 16 Lyle Parman and the Slide Bar Band 17 Lyle Parman and the Slide Bar Band

March 24 Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo: A Very Intimate Acoustic Evening These hard-rocking guitarists, also married, perform a special acoustic show. $49. 8 p.m. Centerstage, Choctaw Casino, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 888-652-4628 March 30 An Evening with Jason Mraz, Solo Acoustic Since his start in San Diego coffeehouses, Jason Mraz has brought his positive message and soulful, folkpop sound to rapt audiences around the world through his vibrant recordings, humorous live performances and philanthropic efforts. He made pop history with his record-breaking classic single, “I’m Yours” and “I Won’t Give Up,” racked up two Grammy Awards, won the prestigious Songwriter Hall of Fame Hal David Award and sold out The Hollywood Bowl, Madison Square Garden and London’s O2 Arena. $129-$149. 8 p.m. Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 tickets.waltonartscenter.org April 5 Thomas Rhett Current multi-CMA nominee and ACM Awards Male Vocalist of the Year Thomas Rhett will kick off his Life Changes Tour 2018 in Tulsa. $39.75-$77.75. 7 p.m. BOK Center, 200 S Denver Ave, Tulsa, Okla. ticketmaster.com April 26 Judas Priest One of heavy metal’s most legendary acts will be hitting the road in 2018 in support of their new studio album, “Firepower.” $42.50- $128. 7 p.m. BOK Center, 200 South Denver Ave, Tulsa, Okla. ticketmaster.com May 2 U2 Accompanying the announcement of the Songs of Experience album release, U2’s eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour will begin in Tulsa as one of only 15 North American show dates. $44-$327. 7 p.m. BOK Center, 200 South Denver Ave, Tulsa, Okla. ticketmaster.com Submit events Music and performance events can be reported by the venue or presenter at efortsmith.com under the tab “Add Event.” Advertising is also available. 44 Entertainment Fort Smith March 2018

2018 Little Theatre Season continues After an acclaimed run of “The Little Foxes,” the Fort Smith Little Theatre moves ahead to prepare for a spring production and its annual summer musical. The next show is April’s Calendar Girl by Tim Firth. This true story of 11 “mature” English women was a 2003 hit movie. When Annie’s husband dies of leukemia, she and her friends resolve to raise funds for the local hospital by posing nude for a calendar. Directed by Eric Wells (with no nudity). May 31-June 9 are the dates for a madcap adventure, The Fox on the Fairway, by Ken Ludwig. The comedy escalates as the audience finds out just how far archrivals will go to win an annual golf tournament. Duff Taylor directs. The Fort Smith Little Theatre’s tradition of staging a popular summer musical will go on with Lerner & Lowe’s My Fair Lady, mid-July through August. In this beloved musical based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion, Professor Henry Higgins attempts to transform a

cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, into a proper lady by teacher her to speak properly. Higgins and Eliza clash as he tries ever harder to control and instruct her, then form an unlikely bond. It is considered one of the greatest musical scores of all time, with famous songs “I Could Have Danced All Night” and the love songs “On The Street Where You Live” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.” The funny and touching play also has great character songs such as “Get Me to the Church on Time” and the enunciation challenge for Eliza, “The Rain in Spain.” Five more productions round out the season. An audition schedule, season and single ticket information can be found on the Little Theatre’s website. Auditions are open to all. Both cast and crew volunteers are needed. The Fort Smith Little Theatre is located at 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith. Phone the box office at 479-783-2996. Online at fslt.org.

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KIDS

calendar of events

March 1-29 Story Time Children’s traditional story time for preschoolers. Books, song and crafts. Free. 10 a.m. Thursdays. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

March 1-29 Crazy 8s Club Math Children in grades 3-5 can join the Crazy 8 Club to build stuff, run and jump, make music, make a mess … it’s a totally new kind of math club! Registration required. Free. 4 p.m. Thursdays. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

March 1-29 All Ages Program The entire family can enjoy a variety of activities. March 29 is Lego Brick Builders day. Free. 3:30 p.m. Thursdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Western Arkansas Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” Community School of the Arts announces its production of “Beauty and the Beast” presented by the national awardwinning Youth Theatre Company. A wandering enchantress transforms a cruel and vain prince into a hideous Beast, leaving him only one way to reverse the curse – fall in love with another and earn her love in return. Belle, a beautiful book lover, encounters the Beast when she arrives at his castle to plead for her father’s freedom, ultimately trading her own for his. As tension over her imprisonment escalates in the town, spurred by Gaston, the selfish lover who seeks Belle’s hand in marriage, the relationship between Belle and the Beast grows, leading to an emotional, and transformative, conflict. Gabrielle Gore stars as Belle, Dane Drennan as the Beast, Grant Honeycutt at Gaston and Hannah Ralston as Mrs. Potts. Led by director Thesa Loving, musical direction by Gini Law and Sheila Mann and Choreography by Jennifer Woodside Anderson. Musical arrangements by George Mann. Community School of the Arts, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, serves the Fort Smith area by providing high-quality instruction in music, theater, dance and visual art. Tickets available online and at the door. $10-$15. Group discounts available. 7 p.m. March 9, 2 and 7 p.m. March 10. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org

March 1-28 CSA Spring Classes The Community Schools of the Arts offers classes and lessons in music, theater, dance and visual art to students from preschool through high school and beyond. Five-week classes begin in March. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org

MARCH

9-10

March 1 Beauty and the Beast Preview Show In this Community School of the Arts production, an arrogant young prince and his castle’s servants fall under the spell of a wicked enchantress, who turns him into the hideous Beast until he learns to love and be loved in return. The spirited, headstrong village girl Belle enters the Beast’s castle after he imprisons her father, Maurice. With the help of his enchanted servants, including Mrs. Potts, Belle begins to draw the cold-hearted Beast out of his isolation. This preview will feature all the classic songs from the beloved musical. Free. 5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

March 1 LED Fireflies Children, tweens and teens will create light-up fireflies with cool LED lights and clothes pins. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

March 1 S.T.E.M. Fun Once a month, tweens and teens get together for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fun. Free. 3:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 crawfordcountylib.org

March 2 Bingo for Books: Dr. Seuss Edition Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Play bingo and earn books as a prize. Winners will be able to select a book from a selection of children and teen titles. Free. 3:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

March 2 Dr. Seuss Make & Take Craft Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday! Check out a favorite Dr. Seuss book and make a take-home craft at this open-house style event for all ages. Free. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Windsor Drive Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405

March 2 Dr. Seuss Event Fun with the characters and stories of Dr. Seuss, from the “Cat in the Hat” to “Thing One and Thing Two” and more. Free. 4 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 March 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

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kids events

March 5 Ozobots in the Library Ozobots are tiny robots that use sensors to trace patterns and designs. Teens can try racing, playing games and using block programming with the robots. Ozobots are for all ages and abilities at this afterschool program in celebration of Teen Tech Week. Free. 4-5 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 March 5-9 Teen TechWeek March 5, play Pac-Man with the awesome Makey Makey; March 6, Broadway Book Club; March 7, Spheros & Ollies; March 8, Lego WeDo 2.0 kits to create robots; March 9, Movie Day with popcorn. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

March 3 Black Heritage Celebration featuring Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show Join the Fort Smith Public Library for its annual Black Heritage Celebration, an inspiring, informative, and entertaining celebration of African American history and heritage. This year’s all-ages event will feature magician Tommy Terrific’s educational magic show about the African-American scientist and inventor, George Washington Carver. The show will feature magic tricks related to his promotion of peanuts, sweet potatoes and much, much more. Throughout the show, Tommy Terrific will explore the products, inventions and accomplishments of the "Wizard of Tuskegee", George Washington Carver. This show does not contain any actual peanut products and it is great educational entertainment for children of all ages. A display of library materials related to African American history and heritage will also be featured at this special Black History Month event. Free. 2 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

March 3 Rocks and Minerals of Arkansas Denis Dean, an Arkansas Master Naturalist, will present this informative rock display and program for families of all ages. Free. 10 a.m-1 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8900 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com March 3 Subiaco Academy Spring Carnival The carnival features games for the kids, bingo, wine and beer tasting, silent and live auctions, and a food court. 4-9 p.m. Subiaco Academy, 405 North Subiaco Ave, Subiaco, Ark. 479-934-1000

March 5 Rainbow Science Children and tweens can join Ms. Megan for rainbow science fun. Do rainbow experiments such as Skittles rainbows, walking rainbows and rainbow paper. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 46

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

March 5-12 Center for Art & Education: Home-School and After-School Program CAE’s art classes offer child-friendly and relevant subject matter to spark interest all while never losing sight that children learn best when they are engaged and entertained. Drawing programs are based on an acclaimed step-by-step drawing method that works hand-in-hand with original art curriculum developed by art educators and artists. Home-school program is 1-3 p.m. on March 5; after-school program is 45:30 p.m. on March 5, 12. $10 per class. Center for Art and Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org/home March 5-28 Teen Time Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays only in March for tweens and teens, learn crafting, life skills and play games. Free. 3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Easter. Free. 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

March 7-28 Mommy & Me Story time for babies and toddlers. Moms need to plan on remaining with their children. Free. 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

March 7-28 Homework Help Hang out after school and get help with your homework assignments, or, if your homework is done, read a book or get on the computer (with parental permission). Free. 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

March 7-28 Baby Rhymes Story Time Do finger plays, play with simple toys, listen to fun songs, learn nursery rhymes and read an age-appropriate book together. Free. 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 March 7-28 Cedarville Story Time Toddlers and preschoolers can join Ms. Lara for a fun and exciting story time and activity. Free. 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

March 7-28 Van Buren Story Time Hear new stories, sing songs, make crafts, make friends and check out books. Two sessions are held. Free. 9:30 or 11 a.m. Wednesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

March 6-27 Coding Everyone can learn computer coding. Free. 4 p.m. Tuesdays. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

March 6-27 Baby & Me Babies, birth to age 3, and their caregivers can enjoy songs, finger plays, bubbles, parachute play, a story and play time, supporting early literacy and language skills. This is an opportunity for social interaction with both babies and their adults. Free. 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 6-8 Teen Tech Week Tweens and teens join Ms. Lara for a fun techie activities for Teen Tech Week. Free. 3:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

March 7-28 Story Time Ms. Megan invites all toddlers, parentsand caregivers for story time about rainbows, green, spring and

March 8 Good Nutrition is Magic! For Preschoolers The Youth Services Department, in collaboration with the Fort Smith Public Schools’ preschool program, invites children ages 3 to 6 to discover the magic of good nutrition. Local magician Matt Passmore will wow preschoolers with ways to keep their bodies healthy. Nutritionist Trina Stark will present quick tips on keeping children healthy with a balanced diet. This event is geared for preschoolers, but children of any age may attend. Free. 4 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 March 8 Teen Tech Week: Libraries Are For Creating Celebrate Teen Tech Week by learning and discovering

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the latest technology. Special guest appearances by Sphero and Ozobot. Free. 3:30 p.m. Windsor Drive Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405

March 8 Teen Leadership Committee The Teen Leadership Council is a great way to earn volunteer hours while helping the community. Free. 3:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 March 9 Paper Airplane Competition Make a paper airplane and participate in a flying competition. Compete to create an airplane that will fly the longest distance. First-, second- and third-place winners will receive gift cards. Kids and teens of all ages may participate. Free. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Dallas Street Branch Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 March 9 Venomous Snakes of Arkansas Local reptile enthusiasts Jeremy Sloan and Brad Birchfield will present a family-oriented live snake demonstration. Free. 6 p.m. River Valley Nauter Center, 8900 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com March 12 Shamrock Paintings Children and tweens can paint shamrocks to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

March 12-16 Escape the Tech Graveyard for Teens Teams try to figure out how to escape the room in 45 minutes or less. Pre-registration is required, but walkins will be accepted if there are open spots. Minimum three players (maximum eight players) to a session. Sign up by phone or in person in the Youth Services department at the Main Library. During Teen Tech Week, the Tech Graveyard Escape Room will be open to teens grades 7-12 only; younger children and families will have their opportunity during spring break, March 19-22. Free. 4-5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 March 15 St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Waffles Children, tweens and teens will celebrate St. Patty’s Day by making awesome rainbow waffles. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

March 15 Open Mic Night at Dewey’s Café A fun, casual open mic for all art forms. Acoustic music only, please. Free. 7 p.m. Dewey’s Cafe at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org March 16 Friday Flick Celebrate the beginning of the weekend and St. Patrick’s Day with the family after school. Watch a family-friendly movie about a man who lives with leprechauns. Free. 3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

kids events

March 17 31st Annual Family Kite Flite Day A free family fun day to celebrate spring at the only prehistoric Native American archaeological site open to the public in Oklahoma. Take a kite or make a sled kite at the center and fly along with professional kiters on about 100 acres of open land. Along with kite flying, kids can dig for treasures in the sandbox. There will be arts and crafts booths, as well as food available for purchase. Donated kites will be given away hourly. Free. 9 a.m.5 p.m. Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, 18154 1st Street, Spiro, Okla. 918-962-2062

March 19 Graffiti Sidewalk Art Decorate the sidewalks of the Miller Branch Library. Weather permitting, anyone who wants to get artistic is encouraged to decorate a sidewalk square with chalk. Chalk is provided. Free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org March 19 Bookworms Book Club For children and tweens, the book for March is “This Side of Wild” by Gary Paulsen. Join for fun discussion, crafts and snacks. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

March 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

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kids events

March 19-20 Escape the Tech Graveyard for Kids 10+ and Families Pre-registration is required, but walk-ins will be accepted if there are open spots. Minimum 3 players / maximum 8 players to a session. Sign up by phone, or in person in the Youth Services department. This program is intended for kids 10 and older and their families. Free. 2-3 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 March 19 Lego Club: Animals! Kids, tweens and teens are invited to design, create and build unique creations with the Lego Club. This month’s theme is animals. Supplies provided. Free. 56 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

March 19-23 Spring Break Game Week Visit the Youth Services Department at the Fort Smith Public Library during spring break for Spring Break Game Week. Games will be available all hours that the library is open. Free. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 March 20 Sidewalk Chalk Art Day Spring into the Windsor Branch of the Fort Smith Public Library during Spring Break for some great reads, and relax outside the library creating Sidewalk Art. Supplies will be provided. Free. Noon-2 p.m. Windsor Drive Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

March 20 Stuffed Animal Story Time and Sleepover Kids of all ages and their families are invited to a very special bedtime story time. Children are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal friend. After everyone enjoys some bedtime stories, songs and a craft, the stuffed animals will have the opportunity to stay at the library for a sleepover. The next day, kids can pick up their animal friends and some fun pictures of the sleepover shenanigans. Free. 5:30 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945

March 20-22 Marshals Museum Spring Break Day Camp These one-day camps will give students in grades 16 the opportunity to learn about the history of law enforcement through STEM, and a variety of other hands-on activities. Each one-day camp will explore a different time period in the history of law enforcement and the tools that were being used: Colonial Camp (Tuesday), Wild West Camp (Wednesday) and Modern Marshals Camp (Thursday). Each day camp is limited to 30 campers. Tickets are $60 for one 9 a.m.-3 p.m. camp. Before and/or after care is available

each day for an additional $10. Each student will receive a camp tote bag and go home with a variety of creations from their day at camp. Lunch and snacks are also included. $60. Riverfront Pavilion, 100 North B Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-709-3766 usmmuseum.org March 21 Family Dance Party The whole family is welcome at this fun, interactive program. Free. 2-3 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945

March 21 Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (PG) Two overly imaginative pranksters named George and Harold hypnotize their principal into thinking he’s a ridiculously enthusiastic, incredibly dimwitted superhero named Captain Underpants in this animated action comedy, rated PG. Free. 2 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 79-783-0229 March 22 I Spy at the Library Try to spot the objects hidden in the Youth Services Department. Complete the search correctly and earn a prize. Free. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

March 22 The Boss Baby (PG) This animated family comedy is based loosely on the picture book of the same title by Marla Frazee. This film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at both

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kids events

the Golden Globes and Academy Awards. Free. 2 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 S. 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945

March 22 DIY Bath Bombs Children through teens may make colorful bath bombs to take home. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 March 23 Crafternoon Children of all ages and their families can pop in anytime between 1 and 6 p.m. to make and take a craft. Supplies provided. Free. 1-6 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479646-3945

March 26 Teen Lounge: Bead Crafts March is National Craft Month. Hang out in the Teen Lounge after school, and make perler bead keychains or magnets. All supplies and light refreshments will be provided. Junior high and senior high school students are welcome. Free. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

March 26, April 2 CSA Art Class for Grade Schoolers Community School of the Arts announces two special art days for grade schoolers. Artists Marianne Nicodemus and Kara Holland teach two days of pottery making. Classes will be held at 4 p.m. March 26 and April 2. Students grades 1-6 are invited for these special

classes and will explore the wonderful world of clay pottery and will get to make, glaze and paint their own clay pots. $25. 4-5 p.m. St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org March 28-April 25 Theater Classes for Home School Students Classes are designed for ages 5-7 and ages 8-12. Theater class led by Shannon Stoddard and Worship Workout Dance Class led by Jennifer Woodside Anderson will be offered back-to-back on Wednesdays. Classes begin at 1 p.m. and last for 50 minutes each. Register for one or both classes. Discounts are offered for siblings. Tuition varies. 1-3 p.m. St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org

March 28-April 25 CSA Theater Class for 5-7 year olds This new Community School of the Arts theater class is designed for children ages 5-7. Led by theater instructor Shannon Stoddard, students will meet for five weeks from 4-5 p.m. Wednesdays. Students will use their imaginations to explore different worlds and create new stories. Classes will focus on pantomime, improvisation, storytelling, performing and much more. Creative drama teaches students to work well with others, instills confidence and leadership skills and develops stage presence. Call, go online or email info@csafortsmith.org to regsiter. For questions, contact Dr. Rosilee Russell at 479-434-2880. $75. 4-5 p.m. St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org

March 29 Easter Movie Day Popcorn for everyone! Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

March 31 Easter Eggs-travaganza!!! Enjoy an Easter egg hunt around the library, a visit from the Easter bunny, cake, crafts and more. Free. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

March 31 Easter Egg Hunt Elks Lodge 341 and Riders United 4 Children-Fort Smith will host the Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt. Register early as the hunt starts at 11 a.m. Take baskets or containers. Age groups are 2-4, 5-7 and 810. No strollers please. Food and refreshments will be provided. Limited parking. Elroy the Elk will be present for pictures. Free 10 a.m.-noon. Elk’s Lodge 341, 5504 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-1060 elks341.org

April 4 Tots and Tales – Flowers Roses are red, violets are blue, explore flowers in our collection, read a story and make art, too! Intended for ages 18 months to 3 years with an adult. Register online or with guest services. $10, $8 members. 1:302:30 p.m. Estes Studio, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-657-2335 crystalbridges.org

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March 1 #heART Arkansas Welcomes Creative Participation Artists, creators, tech heads and community-minded people are invited to join a local art collective called heART Arkansas, now planning upcoming activities and exhibits. The inclusive collective is connected to The Neon Revival Project of neon artist Brian Bailey. The growing group heArt Arkansas is planning collaborations with existing local festivals, museums, artrelated community service projects and educational activities. Learn more by following #heARTarkansas on social media, where monthly activities are announced. Sign up now to volunteer for a “heArt and Feed” meal to be prepared for residents the River View Hope Campus on March 31. Email event curator Karesha Crocker at heArtarkansas@gmail.com to get connected. 479-561-9636 March 1 Free Oral Cancer Screenings The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 50,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. This includes the lips, cheeks, tongue, roof of mouth, tonsils and throat. A quick, 15-minute screening is an opportunity to detect these cancers early, possibly leading to a better prognosis and more tolerable treatment options. While this event is for anyone interested, those with a history of tobacco or alcohol use or those at an increased risk for human papillomavirus (HPV) are encouraged to be screened regularly for oral cancers. Call to schedule an appointment. Free. 5-7 p.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 ReynoldsCancerSupportHouse.org

The Saint John’s Bible, completed in 2011.

Ready, get set, go! Clinic prepares women to run MARCH A “Women Can Run” clinic March 5 will get women walking, running or running

faster. Participants in any shape (couch potatoes welcome!) are trained to complete an annual statewide graduation race, a 5K (3.1 mile) walk/run on May 12 in Conway.

The 10-week clinic in Fort Smith forms groups for beginners, intermediate and advanced walkers and runners. Women can make new friends, grow healthier and stronger. Some form ongoing groups of running buddies to run with after the clinic. The clinic is free. A $25 fee for the May graduation event covers entry, a dri fit shirt, medal and other goodies. All the trainers volunteer their time for the training period. Endorsed by participants as supportive and empowering, this clinic run by women for women is inclusive of young through senior women who may start from all levels of fitness. Many participants credit it as a life-changing, beneficial experience. The Women Run Arkansas Running/Walking Club is a Road Runners Club of America club dedicated to promoting healthy living among women through running and walking activities. This is 10-week clinic. 6 p.m. Western Arkansas Running Club, 7308 Ellis Street, Fort Smith, Ark. A great deal of information about the clinic, training, schedule and local contact people is available at womenrunarkansas.net 50 Entertainment Fort Smith March 2018

March 1-14 Saint John’s Bible Exhibit The Heritage Edition of the Saint John’s Bible will be on view at Mercy Hospital for two more weeks. It is the first monumental, illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in the modern era. In 2011, it was completed by Welsh scribes under the artistic direction of Donald Jackson, one of the world’s foremost calligraphers and the senior scribe to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Crown Office at the House of Lords. Its permanent home is the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library at Saint John’s Abbey and University. It incorporates many characteristics of its medieval predecessors: written on vellum, using quills, natural handmade inks, hand ground pigments and gild such as gold leaf, silver leaf and platinum. It will be displayed in a case at different locations in the main hospital and at some times, pages will be turned. In addition, it will be displayed at Mercy Orthopedic Hospital, Mercy Tower West and Mercy’s four hospitals in Ozark, Paris, Booneville and Waldron. A closing ceremony is planned for 2 p.m. March 14 in the Hennessey Education Room. Inquire at the hospital for the current location of the display. Mercy Hospital, 7301 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark.

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RAM’s popular John Bell Jr. retrospective in last month MARCH

Easily the most recognized works of art created locally, paintings of the late John APRIL Bell Jr. are on exhibit in a retrospective of his life’s work at the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum. Paintings, drawings, watercolors and sculpture have been loaned for the exhibit by Bell’s family and patrons to offer a sweeping representation of his talent.

Bell was an acclaimed American painter and sculptor whose career spanned nearly 50 years. His memories and influences of western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma are the topics reflected in many of his works. Most familiar will be a selection of original paintings that were reproduced for his popular series of prints depicting scenes in Fort Smith that include churches, businesses, landmarks and city streets. It also includes earlier pen & ink drawings and oil paintings on large and small canvases.

Fort Smith Regional Art Museum’s exterior signs are trumpeting the Bell exhibit, its visiting Will Barnet show and the sale of Michael Haynes prints, which is a local fundraising efforts to purchase the original paintings of historic subjects by Haynes that are used in informational wayside panels at the National Historic Site. Below, crowds thronged the opening of the John Bell, Jr. exhibit.

Bell’s works are comprised of much more than his impressionistic local landscapes. Exhibit cases even include some pieces created by Bell for his hobby, model railroading, and an account of his extensive activism for public accessibility for disabled citizens. The exhibit is a part of the Fort Smith Bicentennial celebration. Admission is free. Museum hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. TuesdaySaturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fram.org

Soul of a Nation Exhibition at Crystal Bridges MARCH

APRIL

This new exhibit shines a bright light on the contribution of Black artists to an important period in American history and art. The work of 60 artists is featured, including vibrant paintings, powerful sculptures, street photography, murals and more.

This landmark exhibition is a rare opportunity to see era-defining artworks. Soul of a Nation, organized by the Tate Modern of London, is a look at how American culture was reshaped through the work of black artists during the tumultuous 1960s, ‘70s and early ‘80s. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. March 2018

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Grace Academy art students exhibit works at library MARCH

Under the direction of art teacher Amy Scoggins, students will display a mixed media body of work highlighting their recent in-depth study of APRIL anatomy. These works represent the talent of both junior high and high school students who attend Grace Academy. A reception to celebrate their work will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. March 15. Grace Academy Fort Smith is a home-school academy that offers both academic and enrichment classes. Free. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

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Painting by Ryan Starkey March 1-31 Miller Branch Library Art – Ryan Starkey Ryan Starkey’s paintings have been shown at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington and other places. He is the subject of the short documentary “I Am We,” which won first place at the Artifact Forum and Gallery’s Short Film Festival in Hawthorne, Calif. The short film, directed by Fort Smith native Phillip Person, aims to dispel stereotypes about people living with disabilities and serve as a testament to anyone who has felt misunderstood or feared for their differences. The film captures Starkey’s sometimes difficult work process, caused by a dyskinetic movement disorder, and demonstrates the power of his artwork. Preview his work at instagram.com/rstarkey32. Free. Miller Branch Library, 8701 S. 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org

Painting by Ryan Starkey March 1-31 Adults Color Too! Unwind while engaging in a creative process in a casual atmosphere. Coloring pages and colored pencils are provided. Available all library hours. Free. Windsor Drive Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 March 2018

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 1-April 12 Smoked Baby Back Rib Sale The Fort Smith Trolley Museum is pre-selling smoked baby back ribs that will be prepared by the Fort Smith Barbeque Society and available for pick up between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. April 14. All ribs must be ordered and paid for in advance. Order online at fstm.org – click on the rib icon. Cost for the ribs will be $23 per rack. For orders of five or more racks at one time, the cost will be $21 per rack. The last day to order ribs will is April 12. Call for more information. Fort Smith Trolley Museum, 100 South 4th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-650-0103 fstm.org

Spring lecture series examines conflicts MARCH The U.S. Marshals Museum will host its fifth

spring lecture series beginning in March. “Jurisdiction and Judgment: Fort Smith Marshals in Indian Territory” will highlight the role of the U.S. Marshals Service as white settlement moved west in the 19th century.

“Some very interesting stories come out of this time period,” said Leslie Higgins, the museum’s director of education. “The overlapping jurisdictions of the U.S. government and independent Indian nations led to dangerous situations, with 64 deputy marshals killed in the line of duty. With this lecture series, we are hoping the community learns more about the difficulty of the job, as well as the courage of the marshals.” The first lecture, March 5, focuses on the history of Native American tribal law enforcement and their interactions with the marshals. April 2, the lecture concerns the outlaw Cherokee Bill, or Crawford Goldsby. A suspect in a murder at 17, he progressed to holding up banks and businesses; robbing train depots, then wrecking and robbing a train. He was charged with murder after the robbery of a Kansas post office in which a bystander was killed. Cherokee Bill was tried, sentenced and hanged in Fort Smith in 1896, but before his execution he created mayhem while attempting to break out of jail. The May 7 lecture examines the 1872 Going Snake tragedy, a jurisdictional dispute between the Cherokee and U.S. courts. Eight of a deputy marshals’ posse died in this courthouse shootout, along with three Cherokee citizens. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door for $25 for the entire series or $10 per lecture. Complimentary, heavy hors d’oevres will be served and a cash bar will be available. All lectures, 6:30-8 p.m. UAFS Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-709-3766 usmarshalsmuseum.org 54

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Dogwood, photo by Dianna Elkins March 1-April 30 Art Exhibition: Photography by Dianna Elkins Elkins, the retired founder/director of First Place Academy, took up photography in her school days, when she worked for a newspaper and developed pictures in the dark room. In retirement, she and her husband have traveled to Alaska and the Canadian Rockies. Her favorite place is still home, Arkansas. She loves to photograph seasonal changes, waterfalls, old barns, churches and places that have long been forgotten. Elkins’ photography has been on display in Arkansas businesses and featured on commercial web sites. Free. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org March 2 Grape Escapes, A Vine Affair! Grape Escapes is Bost Inc.’s cocktail-style, signature fundraiser providing guests with the opportunity to sample more than 375 wines from around the world and enjoy hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants and caterers. The event includes live music, a wine pull and live and silent auctions. All proceeds benefit Bost Inc., a nonprofit organization serving individuals with disabilities and their families in Arkansas. Event attire is semi-formal; tickets are $100 each. Must be 21 to attend. 6-9 p.m. The DoubleTree by Hilton, 700 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-652-4553 bost.org March 2 Bonneville Spring Fling Surrounded by the elegant comforts of the historic Bonneville House, shop all the new spring styles and bid on items at auction. Appetizers and refreshments will be provided. Each shopper will have a chance to win a $50 gift card. Bloomery Boutique, HOH, Lula Roe, Bijoux, Matilda Jane, Camille & Co. and Bella’s Boutique are among the vendors. Proceeds benefit the Bonneville House. Admission is $5 or free for Bonneville House Association members. 6-9 p.m. The Bonneville House, 318 North 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-7854 bonnevillehouse.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 2-4 Friends of Project Compassion Adult Team Tennis Championship In this team tennis event for teams of five or more players, teams will play two doubles and one singles match per round. Teams are allowed to change partners and mix up singles players from round to round. Prizes for winners and runners-up. Snacks, mimosas and other beverages provided all weekend. Proceeds support Project Compassion Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is “bringing joy, compassion and quality of life to nursing home residents.” Entry is $30 per player. Each player receives a tennis towel. Register at arktennis.com or 479-782-5333. Play will place on courts at both Creekmore Tennis Center. Ben Geren Tennis Center and Creekmore Tennis Center, 3303 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2273 projectcompassioninc.com March 2-4 Botanical Garden of the Ozarks Orchid Show & Sale An indoor show will feature displays of orchids from other regional orchid societies and individuals, which will be judged by the American Orchid Society accredited judges. In addition to the hundreds of orchids in the displays, there will be many uncommon varieties for sale. $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 5-12 and free for children under 5. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-750-2620 March 3 Community Strikes Back Bowling Tournament This charitable tournament is open to all ages and skill level. Each team will play three games to compete for prizes based on scores and costumes, while benefitting local children in crisis served by the Childrens Emergency Center of Fort Smith. Games will start at approximately 1 p.m. and all proceeds directly benefit the CES. Register online or by phone. $160. 1 p.m. Bowling World, 6100 South 36th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 870-242-5771 childrensemergencyshelter.org

Spectacular views from the hiking trails at Big Bluff in Buffalo National River country. Photo courtesy of nps.gov. March 3 Hike Big Bluff with TrailBlazers Hiking Club TrailBlazers will hike Big Bluff on the Buffalo River. It is a strenuous 5.5-mile round trip to this 440-foot ledge where there are lots of interesting rock formations and great views of the river valley. Going in is easy but coming out requires a 1,000-foot elevation gain in 2.75 miles – not steep enough for switchbacks, just a continuous uphill trek. The view is worth the effort. Meet at Cloverleaf Plaza parking lot in Van Buren at 7:50 a.m. to carpool and/or caravan. Buffalo River National River, Arkansas 43 North, Ponca, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com March 2018

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 3 Race for the Arts: 5K Preregistration starts at 7:30 a.m. and the race begins at 8:30 a.m. The start and finish line will be at Lee Creek Park, by the boat ramp to the river. Cost is $25 and includes a T-shirt. 8:30 a.m. Lee Creek Park, Lee Creek Park, Van Buren, Ark. 479-462-2304 March 3 Step Up to Wellness A showcase of vendors, health care professionals and fitness experts. Main Attraction Seminars will be held all day in the King Opera House. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-222-5241 March 3 Union Christian Trivia Night This second annual event costs $150 for a team of eight and includes dinner. 7 p.m. Union Christian Academy, 4201 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-8415

Vintage mic in the museum’s On the Air exhibit

Quilters stitch works of fabric art to mark Fort Smith Bicentennial MARCH The Belle Point Quilters Guild presents a month-long exhibit of quilts

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created for the Fort Smith Bicentennial. The quilts will be displayed in the Boyd Gallery of the Fort Smith Museum of History.

Quilters were challenged to incorporate the official “Fort Smith 200 logo into quilts of their own design, which will yield a wide variety of quilting styles and artistry. Each quilt is 24 inches square. The pictured quilt is by Bobbi Lang of Van Buren, a guild member. “Usually when we have a quilt show, we have a design challenge behind it,” she said. “This challenge was to somehow use the Bicentennial logo. The block I used is called a one-union star,” she said, explaining that it is one of her favorite block patterns. One of the stitching patterns used to quilt the design is called “feathers,” a pattern seen as far back as the 19th century, she said. The rest of the printing pattern is freestyle. It is machine-quilted. “Everyone has their own ideas and skills – applique or other style,” Lang said. “Each person has what they’re good at.” Visitors are asked to vote for their favorite quilt and the winning quilt will be included in the bicentennial time capsule. Museum admission: $7 adults; $5 veterans/military; $2 children; children under age 6 are free.10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org 56

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March 3 Local Color Radio Hour: A Live Show and Podcast Attend a live show being taped for a podcast with local music, history, storytelling, audience participation and fun. Music by Joe Hardin, The Numbskulls!, Danny Hershberger, Dennis Siler, Francesco Tarelli and Maggie Janes Jones. Tom Wing and Marcus Woodward present “History Matters.” Storytelling from Cherokee Nation and Alex Hopper. Two museum staff members, Caroline Speir and Leisa Gramlich, will present “On Display” and “Little Known Facts.” The podcast of the live show and other content will become available March 11 via differentkjones.wixsite.com/spinninroundprod. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Radio Hour begins at 7 p.m. $2 at the door. 7-9 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org March 3 St. Scholastica Monastery Yard Sale As the sisters get ready for their big move, shop the surplus for unique gifts and treasures. 7 a.m.-3 p.m. St. Scholastica Retreat Center, 1205 South Albert Pike, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-1135 March 3-31 A&M Railroad Excursion Train Every Saturday of March, enjoy a three-hour scenic excursion through the Boston Mountains, over the trestles and through the tunnel. Tickets online. 11 a.m. Van Buren Visitor Center, 813 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-725-4017 amrailroad.com

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March 3 Chaffee Crossing USO Dance The Chaffee Crossing Historic Preservation Organization will host a USO Dance in a historic World War II era warehouse, with dance music and entertainment by the UAFS Jazz Band, members of the UAFS Jazz Cats and the Don Bailey Jazz Quartet. All are welcome, from those who danced at a USO to those who enjoy watching the dancers and hearing the music. Marcus Coker and Sydnie Kleinhenz will give a special swing dance performance. Before the event, dance lessons are available for $10 from 6-6:30 p.m. Dancing begins at 7 p.m. $5 dances with a dance instructor are available throughout the evening. Proceeds will benefit Chaffee Crossing Historic District projects such as Chaffee Barbershop Museum and Museum of Chaffee History, the Chaffee Crossing Veterans Memorial, educational spaces and exhibits, a new permanent stage and maintenance and operation of these facilities. Tickets include a barbecue dinner, drinks and dancing. $60 per person; $100 per couple. Table sponsorships available. Doors open at 6 p.m. Chaffee Crossing Warehouse District, 7718 Chaffee Boulevard, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-4554 chaffeecrossing.com

Cool Mornings by Cindy Sugg

A Moment with Nature and Soul Sisters Exhibit At the Center For Art & Education,

MARCH have a nature experience with

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Fly Fisherman by Maggie Malloy

artist Cindy Sugg’s “A Moment with Nature” and “Soul Sisters” by artist Julie Mayser and artist Maggie Malloy. These artists were brought together for a reason and share a love for the outdoors, capturing nature on canvas, handmade surfaces or paper. Opening reception is 1-4 p.m. March 4. Free 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Center For Art & Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org Afternoon Stroll by Julie Mayser

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 5 Level Up Beginning Sewing A beginning sewing level class will have participants make a pair of shorts. Basic materials provided. Call to sign up. $25. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sewing Machine Center, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com March 5-April 9 Fiction Writing with Anita Paddock Serious writers who have not yet published their work are the targets of this workshop. Anita Paddock, author of true crime novels “Blind Rage” and “Closing Time,” will focus on the fundamentals of theme, setting, point of view, character description and development, plot, climax and resolution to help participants channel their creativity toward a finished product. Advance registration and payment is required, before the first class. register by phone. Noon-2 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 March 6 Beginning Genealogy Learn the basics of genealogical research, including how to use family sources, vital statistics, census records and county records to research family tree information. The workshop is free, but space is limited. Register in advance by contacting the Genealogy Department at 479-783-0229, ext. 1181. Free. 3 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. fortsmithlibrary.org March 7 Twist and Shout Cross Quilt Top The class members will make a cross quilt top using the Twister technique. Basic materials provided. Call to register. $50 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sewing Machine Center, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com

Documentary follows the stories of four women who use art to eradicate abuse and trafficking MARCH

The Zonta Club of Fort Smith and the Golden Z Club are sponsoring a showing of the movie “Little Stones,” which weaves the personal stories of four women artists from across the world – including one from Little Rock – who dedicate their lives to empowering women and survivors of gender-based violence to express and help eradicate the atrocities of domestic violence, human trafficking, extreme poverty and female genital mutilation via their art. The title of the award-winning film comes from women’s rights activist Alice Paul who wrote, “I always feel the movement is a sort of mosaic. Each one of us puts in a little stone.”

Free. 6-7:30 p.m. Windgate Art and Design Theater, Waldron Road and Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7948 58

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March 9 Planning A Healthy Business and Seeking Financing Aspiring entrepreneurs who want to convert a vague idea into a resource plan are invited to attend a UAFS Small Business Workshop seminar presented by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center. Ronda Hawkins, business consultant of the center, is the speaker, addressing the importance of establishing healthy relationships with lenders. Reservation required. $20. 2-4 p.m. Latture Conference Center, UAFS Business and Industrial Institute, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7742 March 9 Subiaco Academy Spring Shadow Days Subiaco Academy, a Catholic, college preparatory boarding and day school for boys, is hosting spring Shadow Days for prospective students and parents interested in the junior and senior high program. Two Friday programs will be held March 9 and April 13 for boys in grades 6-10. Shadow Days give visiting students an opportunity to spend the Thursday night before in one of the college-style residence halls and shadow current students in class. Overnight accommodations are also available for parents at no cost. The 130-year-old school offers a challenging curriculum for young men in grades 7-12 with extra-curricular and athletic opportunities. Register by phone. Subiaco Academy, 405 North Subiaco Avenue, Subiaco, Ark. 800-364-7824 subiacoacademy.us

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HOMESCHOOL ART PROGRAM Primary students – Every other Tuesday (Pre-K – 12yrs) Two sessions available: 1-2PM and 2-3PM. March 13 – Intro to Printmaking March 27 – Pointillism Art April 10 – Lemon Watercolor April 24 – Kandinsky Kandi-apples

High school students – Every other Friday, 2-3PM Different mediums will be taught by a professional artist March 2 | March 16 | March 30 April 13 | April 27

For more information or to sign up email education@fsram.org 1601 Rogers Ave Fort Smith, AR 72901 | 479-784-2787 | fsram.org

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 9 Square One Basics Beginning Quilting Learn the basics of machine quilting. Learn how to piece, how to make the quilting layers and how to do basic quilting. Basic materials provided. Call to register. $20. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sewing Machine Center, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com March 9 Mansfield School District Health and Safety Fair The sixth annual Health and Safety Fair will be held at Mansfield High School Gymnasium. Tour vendor booths and programs. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Mansfield High School Gymnasium, 2500 U.S. 71 South, Mansfield, Ark. 479-269-6058 mansfieldtigers.org

Island flavor makes A Night in the Caribbean a local favorite fundraiser for the Kistler Center MARCH At A Night in the Caribbean, guests will enjoy a fabulous Caribbean

buffet, open bar throughout the evening and dancing to the music of Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Radishes. All proceeds benefit the Gregory Kistler Treatment Center, whose mission is to provide support and learning opportunities in the community for children and adults with developmental disabilities and to provide all individuals an opportunity for a full and productive life through therapy services. There will be a live auction featuring a variety of items, including a Cardinals suite baseball package, home security system, photography package and much more. There will be a silent auction, as well as an opportunity to walk away with a wonderful bottle of wine at the Cork for a Cause table. Enter to win the cash at drawdown.

Digging for “treasure.”

Special corporate tables are available for businesses or groups of eight, with special party favors, eight cash drawdown tickets, listing in the full color event program and other media promotions. Tickets are $75 per ticket or $1,000 for Corporate Table. 6-11 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton, 700 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-4677 kistlercenter.org Mr. Cabbagehead & the Screaming Radishes will entertain again this year. 60

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March 10 Community Strikes Back Bowling Tournament Help strike out child abuse at the fourth annual Community Strikes Back bowling tournament, hosted by the Commissary Kiwanis Club. The event is sponsored by First National Bank of Fort Smith. The tourney is open to all ages and skill level. Each team will play three games to compete for prizes based on scores and costumes, while benefitting children in crisis. Games will start at approximately 1 p.m. and all proceeds will directly benefit the CES. Register by calling Ashley Ahlert at 479-242-5771 or visit the website. $160 per team. 1 p.m. Bowling World, 6100 South 36th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 870-242-5771 childrensemergencyshelter.org March 10 Fifth Annual West Fork Craft and Vendor Fair Fun, food, crafts, silent auction and Make Your Own Slime booths benefit the American Cancer Society. $1 donation. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. West Fork Community Building, 222 Webber Street, West Fork, Ark. 479-806-2222 March 10 Once Upon a Prom Dress Giveaway Women between ages 14-19 in need of a prom dress can pick out a dress and take it home, free of charge. Sizes 00 to 24 are available; larger sizes have a more limited selection. Noon-4 p.m. Heritage United Methodist Church, 1604 East Pointer Trail, Van Buren, Ark. 479-208-0063 March 10 Pups, Pints and Food The Humane Society showcases adoptable animals at this event that also includes food from Truckin Delicious. Find your forever family friend. Noon-7 p.m. Core Public House, 701 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-4395 March 10 Alma 5K Dog Run This is an out-and-back 5K in support of Alma High School Partners Club and Special Olympic Athlete. Proceeds will go to buying uniforms for the athletes and other necessary items and also will be used to send an athlete to a summer sports camp at John Brown University. There will be medals for overall male and female winners and medals for the top three male and female runners in each age group. Preregistration is $25; same day registration is $35. Fun run for kids 10 and under is $10. 8-10:30 a.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 101 East Main Street, Alma, Ark. 479-632-1953

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A talk on Spiro Mounds, prehistoric gateway to Fort Smith MARCH As part of the City of Fort Smith

Bicentennial Celebration, the Fort Smith Museum of History will offer “Communities and Cultures in Fort Smith: Exploring Identities in the Region,” a speaker series addressing the communities and cultures that have influenced and shaped the region and the city as we know it today. The March 22 program features Dennis Peterson, site director of the Spiro Mounds Archeological Center. Peterson will discuss the “prehistoric gateway” of the region, Spiro Mounds.The mound site, located outside of Spiro, Okla., is the only prehistoric, American Indian archaeological site in Oklahoma open to the public. In the Mississippian era of history, it was a major population center.

The mounds are one of the most important Native American sites in the nation. The prehistoric Spiro people created a sophisticated culture that influenced the entire Southeast. Artifacts indicate an extensive trade network, a highly developed religious center and a political system that controlled the entire region. Located on a bend of the Arkansas River, the site was a natural gateway from which the Spiro people exerted their influence. Yet, much of the Spiro culture is still a mystery, as well as the reasons for the decline and abandonment of the site. View a conch shell from Spiro Mounds featured in the museum’s Timeline Exhibit and a 1914 photograph of the mounds.

Dennis Peterson guiding visitors at Spiro Mounds.

6 p.m. $7 adults; $5 military/veterans; $2 children; under age 6 are free. 6-7:30 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841

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Sale of prints to purchase original Thousands of visitors each year appreciate the original artwork of Colorado artist Michael Haynes, who was commissioned by the National Park Service to depict the soldiers’ arrival to the First Fort Smith. Haynes’ painting is reproduced on outdoor wayside interpretive panels at the Fort Smith Historic Site. The Westerners, a local nonprofit organization led by Harold Trisler and others, has arranged to sell high-quality giclee prints of Haynes’ paintings to raise funds to purchase the original painting. The group plans to donate the painting for permanent public display in Fort Smith. The Westerners group formerly presented the Frontier Festivals at Fort Smith. The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum gift shop is currently displaying the Haynes print and three other Fort Smith subjects, which can be purchased as a set of four for $200. These can be purchased at RAM, 1601 Rogers Avenue.

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2018

A limited number of signed, low-numbered sets of the prints are available from The Westerners for $300. To inquire, leave a message for Trisler at Winston’s Pipe & Cigar Emporium, 479-434-5627.

“The Founding of Fort Smith” by Michael Haynes depicts a keelboat arrival on Dec. 25, 1817, the same event observed with a live re-enactment for the Fort Smith 200th Anniversary on Christmas Day 2017.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 13 The Book Lovers Club Participants take turns giving a short book report on up to three titles. The Book Lovers Club meets the second Tuesday of every month at the main library. Free. 10:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org March 14 Hopping Into Fun Classic Stuffed Bunny Sew a classic stuffed bunny. Basic materials provided. Phone to register. $25. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sewing Machine Center, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com March 16 Diamond Dance Enjoy a friendly invitation to dance to a variety of music, including swing, ballroom, latin, and country. Dress attire is dressy casual. Nonmembers are welcome. $5 per person. 8-10 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3371 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-208-1072 March 17 Market Truck Delivers “Egg-citing” HTV Design T-Shirt Learn how to cut and layer heat transfer vinyl to use a cute Easter design. Take a T-shirt to decorate. Basic materials provided. Register by phone. $20. 10 a.m.noon. Sewing Machine Center, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com March 18 TrailBlazers Hike Greenwood’s Trails TrailBlazers Hiking Club will hike from Greenwood City Hall to Bell Park, a distance of about 2.5 miles. The first mile is asphalt (rated easy) but the second mile is gravel trail heading up the hill (moderate+) to the park. At the park, there is a short rim trail and nice views. Meet at Home Depot parking lot at 12:50 p.m. to carpool or at the City Hall parking lot in Greenwood at 1:20 p.m. City Hall parking lot, 30 Bell Road, Greenwood, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com March 18 Third Sunday Art Show: Spring Up! Every third Sunday, Michael’s Mansion is open for the public to browse its Art Gallery, filled with original art by featured artists. All works are for sale. The theme for this month’s show is Spring Up. Refreshments served by Chef Mike. Free admission. 1-4 p.m. Michael’s Mansion, 2900 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-883-8336 michaelsmansion.biz March 18 The Great Grocery Giveaway Evangel Temple will be giving away 500 free sacks of groceries at the Annual Great Grocery Giveaway. No ID, paperwork or appointment needed. Doors open at 9 a.m. and the event begins at 10 a.m. Evangel Temple, 1110 South 12th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-9121 excitingET.com March 20 Spiro Mounds Vernal Equinox Walks A series of special, archaeologist-led walks around the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center. Starting at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. archaeologist Dennis Peterson will lead visitors on a one-mile, two-hour tour of the mounds. He will talk about the mounds, their creation and why some of the mounds align with the solstice and equinox sunsets. Cost of the walk is $5 adults and $3 children. Admission to the site is $7 adults, $5 seniors and $4 children or $18 for a family. Veterans (with ID), Oklahoma Historical Society and Spiro Mounds Development Association members get admission free. Cash or check, no credit cards. Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, 18154 1st Street, Spiro, Okla. 918-962-2062 March 20 Daughters of the American Revolution: The Battle of King’s Mountain The Fort Smith Chapter of DAR will hear guest speaker Bob McKinney present a program on the May 1870 Battle of King’s Mountain, the first major patriot victory to occur after the British invasion of Charleston, S.C. Guests are welcome to enjoy the talk. Members are present to answer basic questions about joining the DAR and have information to share about researching your lineage. Free. 6-7 p.m. Fort Smith Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-5170 March 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Dameon Hudson, Wikimedia Commons

March 30 Community-Wide Good Friday Service The public is welcome at Evangel Temple’s Annual Good Friday Service. Free. Noon-12:30 p.m. Evangel Temple, 1110 South 12th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-9121 excitingET.com March 31 Hogwild Anniversary Party Hogwild Family Fun Center is celebrating its first year of business. Visit seven attractions and more than 50 arcade games, plus a zipline, a rock climbing wall, a Gyroscope, trampoline bungees, pony rides and more. 1-5 p.m. Hogwild Family Fun Center, 3000 South 70th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-242-3557 hogwildfortsmith.com April 7 TrailBlazers Hiking Club TrailBlazers Hiking Club will hike to two iconic Arkansas waterfalls. Glory Hole is amazing as it drills through a rock bluff line. The hike is 2 miles roundtrip rated moderate as the trail is an in-and-out, which means about a half mile of steady uphill climb. Rating is moderate plus, for the uphill part. Then travel to Smith Creek Preserve for another in-and-out, downhill/uphill trek to Qui VaLa Elise Falls. There will be about 4-5 miles of hiking rated moderate. Any responsible, able hiker is welcome to go along with the group. Each hiker must provide their own lunch and water. Meet at Cloverleaf Plaza parking lot in Van Buren at 7:50 a.m. to carpool and/or caravan. 8 a.m. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas 21, near Fallsville, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com

Trailblazer destination, April 7: Glory Hole Waterfall was created by the flow of Dismal Creek wearing through a bluff overhang, a process that took hundreds of years. Its flow varies from a trickle to a roaring downpour depending on recent rainfall. It can be reached only on foot. Going along with experienced guides for the first visit is a good idea – they know the route. The hike is rated moderate in difficulty. This waterfall is located in the Ozark National Forest, between Fallsville and Edwards Junction, south of Boxley Valley.

March 2018

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Spring is the season for popular annual Arkansas events MARCH Live Thoroughbred Racing at Oaklawn Park

1 APRIL 14

Thousands drive to the resort town of Hot Springs with their lucky charms in their pockets to enjoy live thoroughbred racing in spring, along with the natural hot waters and spa services. The racing season continues through April 14. Oaklawn offers a variety of dining options and simulcast and instant racing the remainder of the year. The park’s “Racing Festival of the South” attracts the nation’s top horses and the Arkansas Derby winner becomes eligible for the famous Triple Crown. 1-800-OAKLAWN oaklawn.com.

MARCH Jonquil Festival at Historic

16-18

Washington State Park This celebration of spring features thousands of blooming jonquils in Historic Washington State Park in Hempstead County, a 19th-century restoration village. There are craft vendors, musicians performing varied types of music, surrey rides, food vendors, special interpretive programs and historic tours, buffet meals at Williams Tavern Restaurant and more. This year is the 50th anniversary of the event. Yearround and during the jonquil festival, the interpretive guides at tell the history of Old Washington, established on George Washington’s birthday in 1824. Tour more than 30 carefully restored Arkansas landmarks and historic structures, including classic examples of Southern Greek Revival and Federal architecture, Gothic Revival, Italianate, and hand-hewn timber framing or brace-frame cottage construction. 870-983-2684 historicwashingtonstatepark.com 66

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WILL BARNET: FORMS & FIGURES On view through June 3, 2018 Will Barnet was an American printmaker and painter known for his elegant portraits and visions of beautiful women and children. This exhibit showcases re-developed ideas of Barnet’s 1960’s works from abstraction to figuration that he never finished. Barnet’s unusual combination of subtly painted, imaginary figurative imagery are enhanced by his newer visions of color and special feeling, which exemplifies his ongoing capacity for reinvention and new perspectives as a man who at the time was nearing 100. DETACH AND PRESENT THIS COUPON TO ENJOY

15% OFF 20% OFF IN THE MUSEUM STORE

FOR RAM MEMBERS 1601 ROGERS AVE. | FT SMITH, AR 72901 479.784.2787 | FSRAM.ORG Tues –Sat 11am-6pm, Sundays 1-5pm

March 2018

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DINING GUIDE BUFFALO WILD WINGS Chosen by readers as their Favorite Place to Watch a Ball Game, BWW has fans as devoted to its menu as to their teams. Wings and sauces are king, but try salads and burgers. Share samplers of creative nachos, hot pretzels or mini-corn dogs. Great beer selection on tap. 6550 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-222-6700

CALICO COUNTY Consistently named Favorite Home Style Cooking, Calico County is destination dining for its served-first cinnamon rolls, alone. Entrees such as meat loaf, pork chops and juicy pot roast are “like mother made.” Senior discount, kids menu. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 2401 South 56th Street, Fort Smith. 479-452-3299

LEGACY GRILL The new Legacy Grill is lighting up the Belle Grove Historic District with pleased diners who enjoy valet parking. Full bar, extensive lunch and dinner menu plus daily chef creations such as this seared cod with zucchini noodles and Romesco sauce topped with lemon cashews. 407 North 8th Street, Fort Smith. 479-434-3494

RIVER CITY BISTRO

When you dine where you see this award proudly displayed, you’ll know you’re eating at a “Favorite” choice of Entertainment Fort Smith readers. 68

Entertainment Fort Smith

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Chosen by our readers repeatedly as Fort Smith’s Favorite Restaurant Overall, Catering and Gourmet Deli. Chef Jason Haid prepares seasonal creations, always has a classic bistro/deli menu and offers stellar event catering. Full bar. Lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. 7320 Rogers, Ste. 7, Fort Smith. 479-434-6474

ROLANDO’S

Now in its beautiful, much larger, new downtown location, Rolando’s carries on as a beloved Fort Smith dining experience. Founder Rolando Cuzco’s original, nuevo Ecuadorian menu is a remarkably original combination of fresh ingredients and unique flavors. Full bar. Lunch and dinner. 917 North A Street, Fort Smith. 479-573-0404

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