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📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH

Upcoming Events

🚴‍♂️ River Valley Rumble Mountain Bike Race | Sun, June 22, 7:00am | Ben Geren Park | All skill levels | Details

The River Valley Rumble is a UCI-inspired mountain bike race at Ben Geren Park in Fort Smith, featuring 4.4-mile laps with natural obstacles, rolling climbs, and fast descents for all skill levels

🎨 Arts On Main: Wheel Throwing Summer Camp | July 21–25, 1–3pm | Ages 13+ | 415 Main St, Van Buren | $150/person | Details

Arts On Main’s Wheel Throwing Summer Camp is a five-day, hands-on pottery camp for ages 13 and up, where participants learn to create pottery from start to finish—including wheel throwing, carving, and glazing—guided by experienced potters, held July 21–25 from 1:00–3:00 pm at 415 Main Street, Van Buren, AR

Personally my wife and I love pottery and would highly recommend a class to understand and like the hobby.

Recurring Events I Like

⛺️ Chaffee Crossing food and Artisan Market | June 21st | Free to attend | 8:00 AM 1:00 PM | Link to the Event | Link to Add to google Calender

Happens once a month - will include future dates as well

🛒 Fort Smith Downtown Farmers Market | Saturdays year-round | 7am–noon | All ages | 201 Garrison Ave, Fort Smith | Free entry | Details 

💡 FORT SMITH FACT OF THE WEEK

While Fort Smith is widely recognized for its frontier military history and its role in the lawless days of the Wild West, one little-known fact is that the city is home to the Cavanaugh Mound—an ancient platform mound in southern Fort Smith. Unlike the famous Spiro Mounds in nearby Oklahoma, the Cavanaugh Mound stands in isolation and is not part of a larger mound complex. Archaeologists believe this mound may have served as a prehistoric vantage point, possibly allowing ancient peoples to see the Spiro Mounds across the river centuries before European settlement

Link

📰 FORT SMITH NEWS YOU CAN USE

Fort Smith metro building activity up more than 15% through May

Fort Smith metro building activity reached $119.3 million through May 2025, up 15.4% from 2024. May permits totaled $29.03 million, jumping 76.4% year-over-year. Major projects include a $14.9 million distribution center and new Braum's location. Fort Smith led with $102.6 million in permits, while Van Buren surged 97%

Article

Confirmed EF1 tornado damages over 50 buildings in Van Buren

National Weather Service confirmed EF1 tornado hit Van Buren Friday with 95-105 mph winds, damaging over 50 structures and displacing approximately 30 families, mostly elderly and disabled residents from Van Buren Housing Authority properties. Two hospitalizations reported, including head injury requiring 27 stitches

Article

👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK

Thanks for spending a few minutes with me exploring the best of Fort Smith! If you enjoyed this week's edition, I'd love for you to:

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Coming next week: Summer festival preview, a spotlight on Fort Smith's historic theaters, and seasonal gardening tips from local experts.

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