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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
December's chill has officially settled over the Arkansas River valley, but our community calendar is running hot. Whether you're bundling up for the Holiday Trail of Lights at Creekmore Park or planning your New Year's countdown, this is the week to lock in your end-of-year plans.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
🎄 Holiday events hitting peak season — Pajama Train tickets are selling fast, the Charity Ball returns Thursday, and Creekmore's lights display runs nightly through New Year's Eve
🏛️ City administrator finalists face the public Sunday — Four candidates interview Dec 15, with a hire expected before year-end. Your next city leader gets chosen this month.
🎸 Live music stacking up — Velcro Pygmies Thursday, American Aquarium Friday, plus Bingo Loco's chaotic dance party hits the Convention Center Dec 19
🎓 UAFS sends off its graduates — Fall commencement Friday at Stubblefield Center caps another semester
The big municipal story: after months of search committee work, Fort Smith names its next administrator within weeks. We've got the timeline and what to watch for.
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Your Neighbour
📅 This Week in Fort Smith
Your insider guide to what matters most this week
Must-Attend Events
[Top 4 events with highest community impact]
🚂 Holiday Express Pajama Train | Now – Dec 10 | Van Buren
A magical holiday tradition for families. Riders wear pajamas for a festive train ride with Santa, hot cocoa, and caroling. Tickets sell out fast; this is the final window for the 2025 season.
Event Info & Tickets
💃 Fort Smith Charity Ball | Dec 12 | Convention Center
The premier black-tie gala of the season supporting the Mercy Health Foundation. Features live music, dining, and high-level networking for local business and community leaders.
Event Info & Tickets
🎱 Bingo Loco | Dec 19 | Convention Center
Not your grandmother’s bingo. This global phenomenon combines a rave, comedy show, and game night into one high-energy party. Expect confetti, dance-offs, and lip-sync battles.
Event Info & Tickets
🏐 Battle at the Fort (Volleyball) | Jan 31 – Feb 1 | Convention Center
A major regional youth sports tournament hosted by Fort Smith Juniors. Draws teams from across Arkansas and Oklahoma, creating significant foot traffic downtown.
Event Info
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Velcro Pygmies | Dec 12 | The Majestic
High-energy rock cover band known for their flamboyant style and 80s hits.
TicketsAmerican Aquarium | Dec 13 | The Majestic
Acclaimed alt-country/rock band bringing their gritty, heartfelt songwriting to Garrison Avenue.
TicketsKraig Parker (Elvis Tribute) | Jan 2 | Choctaw Casino (Pocola)
World-class Elvis tribute artist performing just across the border to kick off the new year.
InfoVenue Note: TempleLive Fort Smith has reported venue closures as of late 2025. Please verify any previously scheduled shows directly with ticket vendors.
👪 Family-Friendly
Holiday Trail of Lights | Daily thru Dec 31 | Area-Wide
Displays at Creekmore Park (Fort Smith) and downtown Van Buren. The Creekmore Holiday Express train offers free rides through the lights.
InfoNew Year's Eve Ball Drop | Dec 31 | Garrison Ave / Van Buren Main St
Community celebrations to ring in 2026. Fort Smith typically hosts festivities downtown; Van Buren features a "lettuce drop" or similar quirky local tradition.
Info
🏃 Sports & Fitness
First Day Hikes | Jan 1, 2026 | State Parks (Lake Fort Smith)
Start 2026 with a ranger-led hike. Locations include Lake Fort Smith State Park and Mount Magazine. Perfect for all skill levels.
State Parks CalendarBattle at the Fort (Weekend 1) | Jan 31 – Feb 1 | Convention Center
Competitive volleyball tournament for age groups 10s-14s. Spectators welcome.
Tournament Info
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🎨 Arts & Culture
Exhibit: "Journey to the Unknown" | Ends Jan 11 | Regional Art Museum (RAM)
Final weeks to view this compelling exhibition before it closes.
Museum InfoExhibit: "Kaleidoscope" | Ends Jan 11 | Regional Art Museum (RAM)
A vibrant, colorful exhibit perfect for brightening up the winter days.
Museum InfoIntermediate Acrylic Workshop | Jan 22–23 | Regional Art Museum (RAM)
Two-day hands-on workshop for artists ages 16+. Registration required.
Sign Up
🎓 Education & Business
UAFS Fall Commencement | Dec 13 | Stubblefield Center
Celebrating the Fall 2025 graduating class. Traffic expected near campus on Saturday morning.
UAFS CalendarMLK Day of Service / Parade | Jan 19 | Downtown / Various
Annual parade and community service events organized by the River Valley MLK Commission. (Note: Dates subject to final commission announcement).
Commission Facebook
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Creekmore Holiday Express | Thru Dec 23 | Creekmore Park
Free miniature train rides through the holiday light displays. A Fort Smith staple.
Park Info
⌚️ Recurring Events
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Saturdays (7am-12pm) | Garrison Ave
Year-round market (winter hours may vary/weather dependent) featuring local produce, honey, and crafts.
Facebook PageArt Start (Preschool) | Wednesdays (1pm) | Regional Art Museum
Free art program for young children and guardians.
RAM Education
Quick Hits
Community - Wreaths Across America - [Dec 14] - Volunteers needed to lay wreaths at Fort Smith National Cemetery.
Comedy - Brad Williams - [Mar 12, 2026] - Advance Notice: Tickets selling fast for this March show at ArcBest PAC.
Holiday - Last Minute Shopping - [Dec 20] - Check local shops in the Bakery District for pop-up holiday markets.
Library - Holiday Food Drive - [Thru Dec 31] - Drop off non-perishables at any Fort Smith Public Library branch.
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Fort Smith board to interview four finalists for city administrator position Dec. 15
What this means: After eight months without permanent leadership, the city narrows 43 applicants to four candidates including acting administrator Jeff Dingman with interviews scheduled before year-end
Fort Smith Board of Directors voted unanimously December 2 to interview four candidates for the city administrator position on December 15, eight months after firing Carl Geffken. The finalists include acting administrator Jeff Dingman, former city managers from Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas communities, with only one candidate having experience in a city comparable to Fort Smith's 90,000 population.
Here's what to know:
Of 43 total applications received, only eight candidates had top municipal leadership experience fewer than board members anticipated
The city chose an in-house recruitment approach rather than hiring an outside search firm to save taxpayer dollars
Director Lee Kemp noted ongoing municipal challenges may have cooled interest, suggesting more candidates might have applied if the city were "on the backside" of current projects
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Acting city administrator cleared of criminal charges in FOIA violation case
What this means: Jeff Dingman avoids prosecution despite June court ruling finding FOIA violations Arkansas Attorney General cites insufficient evidence of criminal intent
Arkansas Attorney General's office notified acting city administrator Jeff Dingman November 19 that no criminal charges would be filed related to Freedom of Information Act violations in a Rebecca Cowan hiring controversy. While a Sebastian County judge found Dingman violated FOIA in June 2025, prosecutors determined he lacked the required mental intent for criminal liability.
Here's what to know:
The case stemmed from April 2025 when the board hired then rescinded an internal auditor appointment after a felony charge disclosure
Attorney Joey McCutchen called the decision "disappointing" and argued it creates a double standard for public officials
The Attorney General's office recommended Fort Smith implement clearer FOIA procedures, with responsibility shifted to Chief Information Officer James Gentry in August
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Mill Creek RV Park approved for $2 million investment on Towson Avenue
What this means: 40-site RV park with pickleball court planned between Towson Avenue and Mill Creek second major RV facility in Fort Smith targeting traveling workers and retirees with late 2026 opening
Fort Smith Board of Directors unanimously approved December 2 plans for Kopa LLC to build a $2 million recreational vehicle park at 3706 Towson Avenue on nearly 8 acres. The Mill Creek RV Park will feature 40 RV sites, campsites, and a pickleball court, employing two full-time workers when it opens in late 2026.
Here's what to know:
Target market includes traveling nurses, construction workers, and retirees with a six-month stay limit preventing permanent housing
Developer Evan Kohler emphasized the project aims to revitalize Towson Avenue while addressing affordable short-term housing needs
Fort Smith's first major RV facility, Riverfront RV Resort, opened in late 2023 with an $8 million investment including 100 sites and extensive amenities along the Arkansas River
Quick updates
Mercy Fort Smith $185M expansion now complete - Five-story, 162,000-square-foot addition opened with emergency rooms expanded from 29 to 50, ICU beds doubled from 36 to 64, allowing 25,000 more annual patient visits - Read more
UAFS Toy Toss collects nearly 1,000 toys - Annual basketball home opener event November 18 gathered donations for Salvation Army and Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs, continuing a tradition since 2010 that's landed UAFS on ESPN - Read more
Pancreatic cancer symposium draws regional experts - Mercy Fort Smith partnered with Whitney Marsh Foundation and ACHE November 20 for World Pancreatic Cancer Day symposium featuring Dr. Marco Del Chiaro discussing early detection and treatment advances - Read more
Carol Ann Cross Park wins state award - Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association named the greenway and boardwalk project 2025 Hard Surface Trail of the Year for its ADA-compliant 1.2-mile walking path with elevated river overlook - Read more
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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