Quote Of The Day

"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it." - Charles R. Swindoll

As autumn nears, locals are encouraged to show their pride by joining the Great Arkansas Cleanup, which runs from September 6 to October 31.

This annual effort, organized by Keep Arkansas Beautiful, invites residents to tackle litter through community events, promoting both environmental stewardship and neighborhood spirit.

Volunteers receive key supplies—like gloves, safety vests, and trash bags—to keep cleanup safe and easy.

Last year, almost 23,000 Arkansans pitched in, removing 636 tons of trash from roads and parks across every county, creating an impressive $5.4 million economic impact.

Taking part delivers more than just cleaner streets; it’s a statement of pride and a promise to preserve Arkansas’s natural charm.

Register your cleanup online and get support to organize an event in your neighborhood—every effort matters.

Join in, help keep Arkansas beautiful, and create a greener, brighter future for all.

First Friday Breakfast (Fort Smith Chamber)

Date: Friday, September 5, 2025 | Time: 7:30 AM | Location: UAFS, Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Fort Smith | Admission: Registration required

Start your day with networking and community updates at the Chamber’s First Friday Breakfast. Event details & registration

Fort Smith Farmers Market (Downtown on Garrison Ave.)

Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025 | Time: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Location: 2nd St & Garrison Ave, Fort Smith, AR | Admission: Free

Find fresh produce, baked goods, plants, and artisan items from local vendors at the downtown market. Event listing • Market info

Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Round‑Trip Excursion (Van Buren → Winslow)

Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025 | Time: 11:00 AM departure (approx. 3 hours) | Location: Old Frisco Depot, 813 Main St, Van Buren, AR | Admission: Ticketed

Take a scenic round-trip ride into the Boston Mountains with vintage passenger cars and sweeping views. Local listing with date • Excursion overview

Project Hope Arkansas Black Sheep 5K and 1 Mile Run (Fort Smith)

Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025 | Time: 9:00 AM | Location: Fort Smith, AR | Admission: Registration fee applies

A community run supporting Project Hope Arkansas—join for fitness and charity.

Crawford County Fair Parade

Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025 • Time: 11:00 AM • Location: Mulberry City Park, Mulberry, AR • Admission: Free

Details: Begin the fair festivities with the colorful Crawford County Fair Parade featuring floats and community participation through Mulberry.

Fort Smith Symphony: “DANCE PARTY”

Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025 | Time: 7:00 PM (After-party 8:30 PM) | Location: ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901 | Admission: Ticketed (Adult $50–$55; Student $25)

Fort Smith Symphony presents “DANCE PARTY,” featuring works by Copland, Piazzolla, Prokofiev, and Saint-Saëns. Concert info • Tickets

The Farmers' Almanac predicts the 2025–2026 winter will be defined by “Chill, Snow, Repeat,” forecasting dramatic swings in temperatures and widespread wintry conditions across the U.S.

Residents in the Northern Plains, Great Lakes, and New England should brace for repeated cold snaps, with the most intense chills likely in mid-January and mid-February.

The Northwest will also see deep winter cold, while snow lovers in the Northeast and Midwest can expect frequent snowstorms and picturesque landscapes.

Mountainous regions in the Pacific Northwest and Mid-Atlantic are set for heavy snow.

In contrast, the Southeast, South Central, and Southwest will likely experience wetter-than-average conditions, with Texas and nearby states facing cold rain and sporadic freezing precipitation.

Though the Almanac’s forecasts have mixed accuracy, locals should prepare for a highly variable and impactful winter ahead.

Secret hack: Visit the Fort Smith National Historic Site for a fascinating look at the town's history and enjoy stunning views of the Arkansas River.

Van Buren has adopted a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan, reaffirming its focus on improving local amenities for all residents.

Mayor Joe Hurst praised months of public input that helped shape the vision, with surveys and meetings revealing overwhelming community engagement.

Hiking topped residents’ interests, while exercise and time outdoors are major motivators for park visits.

Citizens expressed strong interest in a modern community center, featuring a gym, indoor courts, and an aquatics facility—an ambitious 61,755-square-foot design that includes a pool, splash pad, classrooms, event space, and sports amenities, estimated at $34.2 million.

Recent local upgrades include resurfaced basketball courts and plans for the city’s first dog park, made possible by city funds and Rotary Club support.

Developed with MAHG Architecture Inc., the plan builds on prior efforts and stresses flexibility to meet evolving needs, aiming to ensure accessible recreation and a vibrant community life.