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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Spring is in full bloom along the Arkansas River, and this week we've got two of the biggest economic announcements we've covered in months - plus a public safety alert worth sharing with every family member who answers the phone. Whether you're heading to Steel Horse Rally next weekend or watching construction crews break ground at Ebbing, the city's investment momentum is impossible to miss.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
🛬 36 F-35s headed to Ebbing - The base expansion clears its final environmental hurdle: 271 personnel, 325 dependents, and up to $807M in construction now greenlit through 2029.
🐟 Bass Pro Shops opens Wednesday - 100 new jobs and a 19,000-gallon aquarium debut on Rogers Avenue April 29. Expect heavy traffic during opening week.
📞 AI voice-cloning scams hit Fort Smith - FSPD urging every household to set a family code word before scammers cloning loved ones' voices come calling.
🎭 Steel Horse Rally + four major events - 200,000+ visitors expected May 1–2, plus the Business Expo, FREE Marshals Museum day, and Western Arkansas Ballet.
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-Your Neighbour
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Ebbing Air National Guard Base clears final environmental hurdle for 12 additional F-35s
What this means: Fort Smith's military base expansion moves from planning to construction-36 total F-35s, 271 new personnel, 325 dependents, and up to $807M in base development are now officially greenlit
The Air Force completed its Ebbing environmental review April 17, clearing the path for 36 total F-35s and 271 additional personnel bringing major economic impact.
Here's what to know:
The supplemental environmental impact statement approves 12 more F-35 variants (total: 36 F-35s plus 12 F-16s) and 1.2 million sq ft of new facility construction or renovation
Next milestone: Air Force issues a "Record of Decision"-once approved, physical construction begins on the $807M base expansion with a 2029 completion target
271 new housing units will be needed, 204 school-age children expected to enroll in local districts, and 596 total people joining the Fort Smith metro area
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Bass Pro Shops opens April 29 on Rogers Avenue with 100 jobs and a 19,000-gallon aquarium
What this means: Fort Smith lands its first Bass Pro Shops after a $20M construction investment-100 full- and part-time jobs and a major new retail-tourism anchor on Rogers Avenue
Fort Smith's 70,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shops opens April 29 on Rogers Avenue, adding 100 jobs and $20M in retail investment.
Here's what to know:
Expect heavy traffic on Rogers Avenue during opening week (April 29 onward)-plan alternate routes or visit during off-peak hours
100 full- and part-time positions are being filled; stop by the store starting April 29 to inquire about open positions
The store features a 19,000-gallon Ozarks cave-themed aquarium with bass and catfish-free for all shoppers
PUBLIC SAFETY
Fort Smith police warn of sharp rise in AI voice-cloning scams targeting residents and families
What this means: Scammers are impersonating family members using cloned voices-FSPD urging every household to establish a verification code word before the next call comes
Fort Smith Police are reporting a sharp rise in scams using AI voice-cloning to impersonate family members and demand cryptocurrency payments.
Here's what to know:
Never send money via Bitcoin, gift cards, or wire transfer based on a phone call-police and government agencies never demand immediate payment over the phone
Hang up and call back using a verified number; do not trust caller ID, which can be spoofed to appear local even when fraudsters are overseas
Report incidents to the FBI at ic3.gov or contact Fort Smith Police at (479) 709-5000
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Quick updates
City seeks $12M federal grant for 30-mile water line - Board unanimously approved April 2 request to Sen. Boozman for $12M toward the 48-inch Lake Fort Smith Water Transmission Line, saving $3M via EPA fee waiver. - Read more
Senior water rate freeze under review - City staff presented data April 14 on a potential water and sewer rate freeze for residents 65+; formal board vote expected in June 2026. - Read more
Free downtown concert series funded for 3 years - Board approved $60,000 over 2026-2028 for 7 consecutive weeks of free Levitt AMP concerts downtown; Levitt Foundation matches up to $4,000 per show. - Read more
Fort Smith school district loses third communications director in three years - Kimberly Mundell departed after 6 months citing administration "professionalism" concerns; district has not announced a replacement. - Read more
📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🎭 General Darby Challenge | Sunday, April 26, 2026, 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Cisterna Park, 1001 Garrison Ave, Downtown Fort Smith | Honor Fort Smith native Gen. William O. Darby in this military-inspired ruck march and race - choose 5K, 10K, or half marathon; the 2026 course includes a Silent Mile along the Arkansas River honoring 93 WWII Arkansans KIA or MIA.
🎭 Steel Horse Rally | Friday, May 1, 2026 – Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 601 Garrison Ave, Downtown Fort Smith | The 11th annual charity motorcycle rally draws 200,000+ visitors with live music, vendor exhibits, the Thunder Through the Valley Parade, Bikes & Badges Vintage Show, and a Strongman Showdown - all benefiting local charities. | Event details
🎭 Business Expo & Career Fair | Friday, May 1, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith | The Fort Smith Regional Chamber's flagship annual event connects 600–800 attendees with 100+ business exhibitors and employers - free and open to the public, with a 500-person First Friday Breakfast kicking off at 7:30 AM. | Event details
🎭 Snow White & A Midsummer Night's Dream | Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM & Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM | ArcBest Corporation Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Western Arkansas Ballet presents two beloved classics in one evening - the Grimm Brothers fairy tale and Shakespeare's comedy with Mendelssohn's iconic score - featuring local children alongside professional dancer Nicholas C. Mesa. Tickets $35 adults / $20 students. | Get tickets at waballet.org
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Jubilation Jazz: "Historical Moments from America's 250 Years" | Sunday, April 26, 2026, 3:00 PM | First Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith, 116 N 12th St, Fort Smith | FREE big-band jazz concert by the acclaimed Jubilation Jazz Orchestra - professional musicians from across Arkansas perform a patriotic sweep through American history in celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary. Family-friendly, no tickets required. | Event info
SpIndL Funky Festival (21+ only) | Thursday, April 30, 2026, 6:00–9:00 PM | The Bakery District, 63 S 6th St, Downtown Fort Smith | Live music from GZR, dinner, beer/wine bar, silent auction, 50/50 drawing, and dancing - all supporting SpIndL's mission of elevating young autistic adults to independence. Tickets required. | Event info
Steel Horse Rally – Live Music Stage | Friday, May 1, 2026 – Saturday, May 2, 2026, 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM | 601 Garrison Ave, Downtown Fort Smith | Multiple live acts perform across two days on the main stage, with evening headliners on Friday and Saturday; the Handle Bar and VIB area open daily. All-ages welcome at the public event. | Full schedule
👪 Family-Friendly
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Every Saturday, 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Corner of 2nd St & Garrison Ave, Downtown Fort Smith | Shop fresh local fruits, vegetables, herbs, baked goods, handmade soaps, jams, and artisan crafts directly from River Valley growers and makers; free admission, arrive early for best selection. | Market info
FREE Day at the U.S. Marshals Museum | Saturday, May 2, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith | Explore the nation's only museum dedicated to the U.S. Marshals Service at no charge - timed to coincide with Steel Horse Rally weekend, making it a perfect family stop between rally activities. | Event info
Snow White & A Midsummer Night's Dream | Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM & Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM | ArcBest Corporation Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Western Arkansas Ballet's spring production is an ideal introduction to professional ballet for children, pairing two classic stories with beautiful choreography and live music. | Get tickets at waballet.org
🏃 Sports & Fitness
General Darby Challenge | Sunday, April 26, 2026, 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Cisterna Park / Darby Statue, 1001 Garrison Ave, Downtown Fort Smith | Choose your distance - 5K, 10K, or 13.1-mile half marathon - and ruck, run, or walk along the Arkansas River. Finisher medals for all; top-time recognition; virtual option available. Registration closes April 25. | Register now
Lei Lei's 5K & Memory Mile | Saturday, May 2, 2026, 8:00 AM | Wells Lake at Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Rd, Fort Smith | The 14th annual charity 5K (chipped-timed, $30–$35) and Memory Mile walk ($25) along scenic Wells Lake benefit cancer awareness - all 5K finishers receive a goodie bag and are entered for prize drawings. | Event info
🎨 Arts & Culture
Snow White & A Midsummer Night's Dream – Western Arkansas Ballet | Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM & Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM | ArcBest Corporation Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Two full-length ballets in one stunning program: original choreography by Artistic Director Jared A. Mesa paired with Mendelssohn's timeless score; local cast joined by guest professional dancer. | Tickets and info at waballet.org
TOP 2026 Fort Smith Regional Talent Competition | Friday, May 8, 2026 – Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Talent On Parade's regional competition showcases young performers in dance, vocal, and variety acts across three days - an exciting event for families and supporters of performing arts. | Event info
🎓 Education & Business
2026 Business Expo & Career Fair | Friday, May 1, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Over 100 exhibitors, networking with industry leaders, and one-stop hiring opportunities for job seekers - this 20-year-running event is free and open to all; First Friday Breakfast at 7:30 AM draws 500 attendees before the floor opens. | Details & exhibitor info
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
General Darby Challenge – Riverfront Route | Sunday, April 26, 2026, 7:00 AM | Cisterna Park, 1001 Garrison Ave, Downtown Fort Smith | Whether you ruck, run, or walk, the course travels the Greg Smith River Trail along the Arkansas River waterfront - a scenic route through Fort Smith's most beautiful outdoor corridor with historical significance at every turn. | Course map & registration
Fort Smith Farmers Market – Saturday Outdoor Market | Saturdays through the season, 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Corner of 2nd St & Garrison Ave, Downtown Fort Smith | An open-air market set in the heart of downtown; browse seasonal produce, plants, and handmade goods from local vendors in a vibrant community setting. Free parking and admission. | Market info
⌚️ Recurring Events
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Saturdays (ongoing season), 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Corner of 2nd St & Garrison Ave, Downtown Fort Smith | The River Valley's premier weekly open-air market featuring local produce, plants, baked goods, and artisan crafts; free admission, early arrival recommended. | Market info
Quick Hits
Cinco de Mayo Softball Tournament – Community softball at 7200 S Zero St, Fort Smith - Saturday, May 2, 2026, 8:00 AM | Info
Steel Horse Rally Bikes & Badges Show – FREE vintage motorcycle show at the U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Dr - Saturday, May 2, 2026, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM | Rally schedule
Steel Horse Rally Strongman Showdown – Feats of strength competition on Garrison Ave - Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Rally schedule
Thunder Through the Valley Motorcycle Parade – Annual rally parade through downtown Fort Smith streets - Saturday, May 2, 2026, 4:00 PM | Rally schedule
TOP Talent Competition – Day 1 – Regional performing arts competition opens at the Convention Center, 55 S 7th St - Friday, May 8, 2026, 7:00 AM | Details
Fort Smith Weekly newsletter for Sunday, April 26, 2026
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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Your Neighbor
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