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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Hope your Thanksgiving leftovers are holding out and the turkey coma has finally lifted. Apologies for landing in your inbox on a Sunday we took a few days to digest alongside you, but we're back with your weekly dose of local intel.
Another busy week in our Arkansas River city, where holiday lights are going up across the parks, the Symphony is tuning up for Christmas, and City Hall is wrestling with some serious budget math. Whether you're still avoiding the scale or already planning your December calendar, we've got you covered.What to expect in today’s newsletter:
💰 Budget reality check — City directors revealed a $4.8M operational gap and are weighing whether to leave 71 positions unfilled permanently. December 2 vote locks in 2026 spending.
🔍 New transparency rules — Capital projects over $100K now require public study sessions before approval. The Parrot Island waterslide saga prompted the change.
🎄 Holiday season kicks off — Symphony Christmas, Holiday Express train rides, and the Hearts of Gold 5K all land December 6. Your weekends just got booked.
📢 Community spotlight — Night to Shine needs 500+ volunteers for February's special needs prom, plus there's a Grinch photo op with adoptable pets this Saturday.
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Your Neighbour
📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🎅 Fort Smith Christmas Parade | Dec 13 | Downtown Garrison Ave
The 85th annual parade is the city’s premier holiday event. Floats, bands, and Santa roll down Garrison Avenue starting at 3:00 PM.
Link to Event Info
🚂 Holiday Express & Trail of Lights | Dec 6, 13, 19, 27 | Creekmore Park
A beloved tradition featuring a miniature train ride through thousands of LED lights. The wider "Trail of Lights" display is viewable nightly throughout December.
Link to Creekmore Holiday Express Info
🎻 Fort Smith Symphony: "I'll Be Home for Christmas" | Dec 6 | ArcBest PAC
The region's top orchestral performance of the season, featuring holiday classics like The Nutcracker and Sleigh Ride.
Link to Tickets
🏕️ Arkansas Outdoor Expo | Jan 16–18 | Fort Smith Convention Center
The largest outdoor show in the region, featuring boats, RVs, hunting gear, and tackle. A major business and leisure anchor for January.
Link to Expo Info
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
👪 Family-Friendly
Holiday Express Train Rides | Dec 6, 13, 19, 27 | Creekmore Park | Free train rides through lights (5:30 PM). | Link
Museum of History Christmas Open House | Dec 13 | Fort Smith Museum of History | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Free cocoa and cookies before the parade. | Link
Noon Year’s Eve | Dec 31 | U.S. Marshals Museum | 10:30 AM | Family-friendly daytime countdown with balloon drop. | Link
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Hearts of Gold Classic 5K | Dec 6 | Ben Geren Park | 9:00 AM | Holiday-themed run benefiting nursing home residents. | Link
Celebrity Cheer Championships | Jan 10 | Fort Smith Convention Center | Regional cheer and dance competition. | Link
Medal Madness (5K, 10K, Half) | Jan 17 | Ben Geren Park | 8:30 AM | Major mid-winter race with multiple distances. | Link
🎨 Arts & Culture
ARTBEAT Fort Smith | Dec 8 | Creekmore Park | 10:00 AM | Festival merging food, art, and music. | Link
The Nutcracker (Western Arkansas Ballet) | Dec 13–14 | ArcBest PAC | Sat 7PM / Sun 2PM | The 40th annual production of the holiday ballet. | Link
Immaculate Conception Holiday Market | Dec 13 | IC Parish Center | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Handmade crafts and food. | Link
🎓 Education & Business
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
⌚️ Recurring Events
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Wed & Sat | Downtown | 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Winter market schedule may vary (weather permitting). | Link
Trivia Night | Tuesdays (Dec 2, Jan 6) | 810 Billiards & Bowling | 6:30 PM | Weekly competition. | Link
Bingo Night | Mondays (Dec 1) | 810 Billiards & Bowling | 6:30 PM. | Link
Quick Hits
Christmas in the Woods Market – Shopping at Chaffee Crossing – Dec 6, 10:00 AM
One Night Only – Special performance at ArcBest PAC – Dec 21, 6:00 PM
Bubbles & Bow Ties – NYE Gala at ACHE Wellness Center – Dec 31, 7:00 PM
Brew Year’s Eve – Party at Fort Smith Brewing Co. – Dec 31, 10:00 PM
Battle of the Fort – Cheer/Dance prep/event – Jan 31 (Just outside window)
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📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
City board approves new transparency rules for capital projects
What this means: All projects over $100,000 now require a study session review before board approval giving residents 7+ days to weigh in before spending decisions are finalized
The Fort Smith Board of Directors unanimously approved a new ordinance on November 18 requiring non-budgeted capital projects over $100,000 to go through a study session before any vote. The measure was prompted by the controversial Parrot Island waterpark slides, which ballooned from an estimated $2.1 million to over $6.3 million.
Here's what to know:
7-day minimum gap between study session presentation and formal vote on any capital project over $100,000
City staff must now provide scope, cost estimates, funding sources, and alternatives for all projects before approval
Internal auditor will conduct annual compliance reviews and report to the Audit Advisory Committee
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
City faces $4.8M operational budget gap as board weighs "forever cuts"
What this means: General fund deficit could deplete city reserves within two years directors are considering not filling 71 vacant positions across all departments to balance the 2026 budget
During a six-hour budget hearing on November 17, city officials revealed the general fund is "structurally imbalanced" with a projected $15.56 million deficit by year-end 2025. Financial officer Andy Richards warned the city is "bleeding money to the tune of about $14,000 a day."
Here's what to know:
Proposed cuts: 57 vacant non-public safety positions ($545K savings), 8 police positions ($670K), 6 fire positions ($629K)
Health insurance costs jumped 30% for 2026, driving much of the personnel cost increases
Board will vote on modified 2026 budget December 2
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Out-of-town businesses now face $500 annual license fee
What this means: Non-local contractors and companies without a physical Fort Smith location will pay 5x more for business licenses expected to generate $137,900 in new city revenue
The Board of Directors approved a new $500 business license fee for first-time registrants and renewals from companies without a brick-and-mortar presence in Fort Smith. Local businesses are not affected by the change. Deputy City Administrator Maggie Rice cited out-of-area roofing contractors who arrive after hail storms as an example of businesses that would pay the fee.
Quick updates
UAFS art programs reaccredited through 2034 - Graphic Design and Studio Art programs earned national NASAD reaccreditation, with Windgate expansion adding 15,000 sq ft of new studio space by Fall 2026 - Read more
ArcBest secures $250M credit facility - Fort Smith-based logistics company amended credit agreement on November 25, increasing letter of credit capacity from $20M to $50M with maturity extended to 2030 - Read more
Fort Smith school board approves Peak Center drainage fixes - Board authorized $204,313 engineering contract with Mickle Griffin for "phase 4" drainage work to address flooding issues at Peak Innovation Center - Read more
$5.3M radio system purchase paused - Board tabled Motorola radio infrastructure decision for River Valley Communications Center, requesting more information on the 911 merger project at November 10 study session - Read more
📢 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
What readers are talking about this week
Reader Recommendations
Night to Shine 2026 Fort Smith's 10th Annual Prom for Special Needs Adults
Submitted by Rod and Terri
What's happening: Fort Smith Night to Shine returns February 13, 2026 for its milestone 10th year an unforgettable prom experience for individuals with special needs ages 14+. Hosted by WestArk Church of Christ, the event treats every guest as a King or Queen with red carpet arrivals, dancing, karaoke, and a sensory room for those who need quiet time.
Why this matters now:
Registration opens November 1 for Kings/Queens and volunteers spots fill fast
Texas Roadhouse fundraiser December 2, 3pm-10pm: Mention Night to Shine and 10% of your bill gets donated
Volunteer roles range from buddy companions to behind-the-scenes setup 500+ volunteers needed
The details: 📍 WestArk Church of Christ, Fort Smith 📅 Friday, February 13, 2026 | 6pm–9pm 📞 (479) 452-1240 | [email protected] 🔗 fsnighttoshine.org
Pictures with the Grinch + Adoption Event
Submitted by Gary
What's happening: The Artemis Project Rescue Fort Smith's award-winning pet rescue hosts a holiday fundraiser combining Grinch photo ops with an adoption event. Bring the kids for pictures with the green grump while meeting adoptable pets looking for their forever homes.
Why check it out:
All proceeds support local animal rescue operations
Meet adoptable dogs and cats on-site same-day adoptions available
Perfect holiday card photo opportunity (Grinch included)
The details: 📍 Ben Geren Park Storm Shelter 📅 Saturday, December 6 | 10am–2pm 💰 Photo pricing TBD (fundraiser expect nominal fee) 🔗 Artemis Project Rescue on Facebook
Quick Calendar Additions
Event | Date/Time | Location | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|---|
Texas Roadhouse Night to Shine Fundraiser | Dec 2, 3pm–10pm | Texas Roadhouse Fort Smith | Rod & Terri |
Pictures with the Grinch | Dec 6, 10am–2pm | Ben Geren Park Storm Shelter | Gary P. |
Night to Shine Registration Opens | Nov 1 | Online | Rod & Terri |
Your Submissions
Want to share something happening in Fort Smith?
What we're looking for:
Local events you're organizing or excited about
Businesses that deserve more attention
Volunteer opportunities
Neighborhood happenings
How to submit: Reply to this email with what it is, when/where, and why other Fort Smith residents would care.
This week's featured contributors: Rod & Terri, Gary Podgurski
This section exists because of you. Keep the submissions coming!
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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See you around town,
Your Neighbor
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