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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Mid-80s through the weekend before storms roll in Tuesday and Wednesday - perfect window to catch the last weekend before Old Fort Days Rodeo takes over Harper Stadium and Memorial Day weekend lights up Garrison Avenue.
It's a heavy week in the River Valley. A $75M F-35 training facility just broke ground at Ebbing with a billion-dollar economic shadow forming behind it. Meanwhile, 125,000 gallons of acid are still eating through our sewer pipes from a May 2 chemical rupture - and the EPA just handed cleanup back to the state. Whether you're tracking what's coming to Fort Smith or what's quietly damaging it underground, this one's worth your full attention.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
✈️ $1B Lands at Ebbing - F-35 training center breaks ground, timeline cut from 24 to 18 months
⚠️ Acid in the Sewer - EPA exits, leaving Fort Smith taxpayers to track concrete damage to city pipes
🔧 Jobs Pipeline Opens - SkillStream launches HVAC, energy, and manufacturing career paths with local employers
🤠 Rodeo Week Hits - 93rd Old Fort Days kicks off Memorial Day with the Patriot Night Parade
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-Your Neighbour
📅 This Week in Fort Smith
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
F-35 pilot training center breaks ground at Ebbing, Army Corps targets 18-month completion
What this means: Fort Smith's Ebbing base begins a $75M construction project-4 advanced simulators, allied pilot training, and $1B+ projected economic impact for the region
Army Corps leaders broke ground May 6 on a $75M F-35 training center at Ebbing, pushing for 18-month completion to bring $1B+ economic impact.
Here's what to know:
The facility will house 4 advanced F-35 simulators and academic space for U.S. and allied pilots, including Singapore's foreign military sales program; original 24-month timeline was publicly cut to 18 months by Brig. Gen. George Walter during the May 6 ceremony
This is the first of several planned Ebbing projects-construction on a Singapore F-16 training facility is expected to begin within the year, with a walkable campus transformation planned by 2029
$75M in funding secured by Rep. Steve Womack and Sen. John Boozman; Womack projects "hundreds of millions, perhaps a billion" in long-term economic value for Fort Smith and the region
INFRASTRUCTURE
125,000-gallon acid spill threatens Fort Smith sewer system; EPA hands cleanup to state
What this means: The May 2 C&S Chemicals rupture on U.S. 271 is causing long-term concrete degradation in city drainage and sewer-remediation ongoing with no timeline set for full repairs
C&S Chemicals May 2 rupture released 125,000 gallons of acid on U.S. 271, contaminating Fort Smith drainage channels and sewer-drinking water confirmed safe.
Here's what to know:
City engineers warn the highly acidic runoff will accelerate degradation of concrete drainage channels and sanitary sewer pipes over time; pump stations, manholes, and pipes in the affected area are actively being assessed for damage
As of May 11, EPA has withdrawn oversight and transferred cleanup responsibility to the Arkansas Dept. of Environmental Quality and C&S Chemicals; runoff crossed into Oklahoma at a pH near 1-Environmental Works Inc. is overseeing remediation
Drinking water was not contaminated; residents near the creek along U.S. 271 toward Texas Road were warned by door-to-door outreach and should continue avoiding contact with the creek
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Fort Smith launches SkillStream workforce pipeline for energy, HVAC, and manufacturing jobs
What this means: New city-backed career program links residents directly to local employers in high-demand sectors-first employer cohorts forming now, with UAFS training center already open
Fort Smith and Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation launched SkillStream May 14, connecting residents to energy efficiency, HVAC, and advanced manufacturing careers in the River Valley.
Here's what to know:
UAFS opened its new Advanced Manufacturing and Workforce Development Centers on May 4, providing training space for SkillStream participants; three employer cohorts-energy efficiency, HVAC and controls, and advanced manufacturing-are now forming
Residents seeking careers can connect through four local partner organizations: UAFS Center for Economic Development, Camp Alliance (veterans and military families), Arkansas United (Hispanic workforce services, Fort Smith resource center), or Western Arkansas Planning and Development District
Employers interested in joining the pipeline can submit an interest form at arkansasadvancedenergy.com or contact workforce director April Ambrose for a no-commitment introductory call
Quick updates
Fort Smith suspends mosquito spraying for second time in a year - Board voted 5-1-1 on May 5 to halt the $73,000 annual program; city now distributes free larvicide tablets, with alternative control plan due to board by June 16 - Read more
Citizen tip clears multiple property crimes, leads to two Fort Smith arrests - Suspicious Facebook Marketplace bat listings May 4 led FSPD to recover a stolen motorcycle and methamphetamine from two suspects - Read more
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📢 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
What readers are talking about this week
Through Your Neighbor's Gate Garden Tour
Submitted by Dianne Heinrichs, volunteer at The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing
Six River Valley gardens open their gates for a self-guided tour, including the award-winning Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing. Expect colorful plantings, creative garden design, and ideas to take home.
The details: 📍 Six locations across the River Valley - full map with ticket purchase 🗓️ Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 💰 Adults $20 | Children 12 and under free 🔗 thelearningfields.org
Must-Attend Events
🎭 93rd Annual Old Fort Days Rodeo | Monday, May 25, 2026–Saturday, May 30, 2026 | Harper Stadium, Kay Rodgers Park, Fort Smith | The River Valley's premier rodeo returns for 6 nights of championship rodeo action - saddle bronc, bull riding, barrel racing, and Mutton Bustin'. Opens Memorial Day with a 10 AM Patriot Night Parade down Garrison Avenue and a 7:30 PM performance. Family Night pricing ($10/person) on May 26–27. | oldfortdaysrodeo.com
🎭 Bakery District Street Fest 2026 | Saturday, June 20, 2026, 11 AM–9 PM | Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, downtown Fort Smith | The 3rd annual community street festival packs the Bakery District with food trucks, live bands on the patio, local vendors in the Collection Room, a Kids Zone, beer games hosted by Digs, and the new Kegs & Legs 5K Beer Run. Free to attend. | bakeryfs.com/street-fest-2026
🎭 True Grit Ride & Certified 5K | Saturday, June 27, 2026, 7 AM (ride) / 7:30 AM (5K) | 7308 Ellis Street, Fort Chaffee area, Fort Smith | The 16th annual cycling and running classic offers 30-, 45-, and 62-mile routes through rural Arkansas scenery, plus a USATF-certified chip-timed 5K. All participants receive free BBQ lunch and 2 beers. Register by June 16, 2026 for a free t-shirt. Proceeds benefit at-risk youth food programs. | truegritride.com
🎭 6th Annual "Run for the Girls" 5K | Saturday, June 6, 2026, 8 AM | Greg Smith River Trail, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith | USATF-certified chip-timed 5K and family fun carnival benefiting the Girls Shelter of Fort Smith. Free family activities run alongside the race. Register before May 24, 2026 to receive a t-shirt. | runsignup.com
By Category
🤠 Sports & Rodeo
93rd Annual Old Fort Days Rodeo | Monday, May 25, 2026–Saturday, May 30, 2026 | Harper Stadium, Kay Rodgers Park, Fort Smith
Nightly performances at 7:30 PM featuring saddle bronc, bull riding, bareback, barrel racing, and Mutton Bustin'. Pre-show live music 5:30–6:30 PM each evening. Rodeo Slack is FREE on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 9 AM. Adult tickets $20; children 3–11 $11; military $17; Family Night (Tue–Wed) $10/person. | oldfortdaysrodeo.com
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Old Fort Days Rodeo Parade - Patriot Night | Monday, May 25, 2026, 10 AM | Garrison Avenue, downtown Fort Smith
Kick off the rodeo week with a patriotic parade rolling down Garrison Avenue, followed by the rodeo's opening performance at 7:30 PM. Free to watch the parade. | oldfortdaysrodeo.com
Bakery District Street Fest 2026 | Saturday, June 20, 2026, 11 AM–9 PM | Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, downtown Fort Smith
Live bands perform on the Bakery District patio throughout the day alongside food trucks, local vendors, a Kids Zone, and the new Kegs & Legs 5K Beer Run. Free admission. | bakeryfs.com/street-fest-2026
👪 Family-Friendly
Old Fort Days Rodeo - Family Nights | Tuesday, May 26, 2026 and Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 7:30 PM | Harper Stadium, Kay Rodgers Park, Fort Smith
Discounted $10/person family nights include Mutton Bustin' qualifying events (4:30–6 PM) and live music on the Old Fort Days Stage (5:30–6:30 PM) before the main show. | oldfortdaysrodeo.com
6th Annual "Run for the Girls" 5K + Family Fun Carnival | Saturday, June 6, 2026, 8 AM | Greg Smith River Trail, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith
The family fun carnival alongside the 5K features games and activities at no charge. Race registration ($35) supports the Girls Shelter of Fort Smith. | runsignup.com
RAM Saturdays at the Art Museum | Every Saturday, 12–3 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith
Drop-in, free hands-on art projects for all ages and skill levels every Saturday at the Regional Art Museum. No registration required. General admission is always free. | fsram.org
🏃 Sports & Fitness
6th Annual "Run for the Girls" 5K | Saturday, June 6, 2026, 8 AM | Greg Smith River Trail, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith
USATF-certified chip-timed 5K run or walk benefiting the Girls Shelter of Fort Smith. Swag bag, finisher medal, and race bib included. Register before May 24, 2026 for a t-shirt. | runsignup.com
True Grit Ride - Cycling & 5K | Saturday, June 27, 2026, 7 AM | 7308 Ellis Street, Fort Chaffee, Fort Smith
Choose from 30-, 45-, or 62-mile cycling routes through rolling rural Arkansas roads, or run the certified 5K at 7:30 AM. Free BBQ lunch and 2 beers for all participants. Packet pickup Friday, June 26, 2026, 4–7 PM. | truegritride.com
🎨 Arts & Culture
Night at the Museum - Extended Hours & Figure Drawing | Thursday, May 21, 2026 and Thursday, June 4, 2026 and Thursday, June 18, 2026, until 7:30 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith
RAM stays open late on select Thursdays for free figure drawing classes led by artist Amy Holmes Scoggins. Explore all five galleries or join the drawing session - all free. | fsram.org
Jon Williams: No Reservations - Exhibition | May 15, 2026–September 13, 2026 | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith
Self-taught wood sculptor and painter Jon Williams presents powerful works honoring Native American culture, history, and the injustices of forced relocation. Free admission. Artist lecture: Friday, July 10, 2026, 5:30–7 PM. | fsram.org
Paint 'n Sip - Recreate Georgia O'Keeffe | Friday, May 22, 2026, 5:30–8 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith
Guided painting session recreating O'Keeffe's Lake George Reflections. $25 members / $35 non-members. Reserve your spot in advance. | fsram.org/paint-n-sip
Paint 'n Sip - Recreate Starry Night | Friday, June 12, 2026, 5:30–8 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith
Guided painting night recreating Van Gogh's iconic Starry Night. $25 members / $35 non-members. | fsram.org/paint-n-sip
RAM Annual Invitational Opening Reception | Friday, June 26, 2026, 5–7 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith
Opening reception for Our Common Ground: RAM Annual Invitational and Inner Struggles: Kinta Schools. Free admission with light refreshments provided. | fsram.org
🎓 Education & Business
Van Buren Chamber 71st Annual Meeting & Business Expo | Thursday, June 11, 2026, 10 AM | Van Buren High School, 2221 Pointer Trail E, Van Buren
Premier annual gathering featuring a business expo, luncheon, program updates, and presentation of the Iverson Riggs Citizen of the Year Award. Individual tickets $45. | vanburenchamber.org
Fort Smith Public Library Open Mic Night at Dewey's Café | Thursday, May 21, 2026, 5:30–7:30 PM | Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith
Open mic night for teens and adults at the library's café space. All genres welcome, no registration required. Free event. | fortsmithlibrary.org
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Old Fort Days Rodeo Slack - Free Public Event | Sunday, May 24, 2026, 9 AM | Harper Stadium, Kay Rodgers Park, Fort Smith
Watch cowboys and cowgirls compete in breakaway roping and other events during the slack session - completely free for the public. Cowboy Church also at 8 AM on the Old Fort Days Stage. | oldfortdaysrodeo.com
Old Town Smokeout BBQ Cook-off - Van Buren | Friday, June 26, 2026–Saturday, June 27, 2026 | Old Town Van Buren, 619 Main Street, Van Buren
The 2nd Annual Kansas City BBQ Society-sanctioned cook-off returns to historic Old Town Van Buren. Events include the Master Series 4 Meat competition, Friday Night Rib Cook-off, Kids Pancake Cook-off, and People's Choice tastings open to the public. | allevents.in
⌚ Recurring Events
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Every Saturday, 7 AM–noon | 201 Garrison Ave (at N 2nd St municipal lot), Fort Smith
The River Valley's largest grower-verified market with 90+ peak-season vendors selling fresh produce, meats, baked goods, honey, crafts, and prepared foods. Wednesday markets begin in June (7 AM–noon). Local musicians perform Saturdays. | fortsmith.org/fort-smith-farmers-market
RAM Saturdays | Every Saturday, 12–3 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith
Free drop-in make-and-take art projects for all ages every Saturday. No registration required. | fsram.org
Quick Hits
Old Fort Days Rodeo - Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night - Cancer awareness evening at the rodeo with pink-themed festivities - Friday, May 29, 2026, 7:30 PM at Harper Stadium, Kay Rodgers Park
RAM Guided Tour - Free docent-led tour of current exhibitions - Sunday, May 17, 2026, 1 PM at Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave
True Grit Packet Pickup & Party - Pick up your race bib and enjoy food trucks and 2 free beers at the event site - Friday, June 26, 2026, 4–7 PM at 7308 Ellis St, Fort Chaffee
Beginning Oil Painting Workshop (RAM) - Two-evening intro painting workshop with artist Stephanie Lee, $30 - Tuesday, May 19, 2026–Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 5:30–8 PM at Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave
Fort Smith International Film Festival - The 6th annual festival featuring independent films from underrepresented global voices - July 30, 2026–August 1, 2026 at venues throughout Fort Smith | fortsmithfilm.com
Peacemaker Music & Arts Festival - Annual country, rock, blues, and Americana festival with JJ Grey & Mofro, Tanner Usrey, and Jason Scott & The High Heat - October 2, 2026–October 3, 2026 at Riverfront Amphitheater, 121 Riverfront Drive | peacemakerfest.com
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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See you around town,
Your Neighbor
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