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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
After a soggy Saturday, the clouds break just in time - Sunday climbs into the mid-80s and summer clocks in right on Memorial Day weekend. Creekmore and Parrot Island pools are open, rodeo dust is about to fly at Kay Rodgers, and Garrison Avenue gets its parade Monday morning.
But under the holiday glow, decisions are taking shape that will define your corner of the River Valley for years. Whether you're lining up for mutton bustin' or watching how the city spends your tax dollars, we've got your local pulse covered.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
🏛️ City Hall hits a wall - A 3-3 board deadlock killed the government-change ballot measure. Now it's on residents to force a November vote.
🛩️ Big bets on Fort Smith's future - A $7M UAFS training center, a $15M school bond, and a new STEM charter, all gearing up for the Singapore Air Force families arriving for F-35 training.
🤠 Rodeo week meets Memorial Day - Six nights at Harper Stadium, a downtown parade, and a cemetery ceremony honoring the fallen.
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-Your Neighbour
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Fort Smith voters won't decide government structure this fall - for now
What this means: A 3-3 board deadlock May 19 killed the 2026 ballot measure, leaving citizen petitioners as the only path to a November vote requiring 2,608 valid signatures by late July.
Fort Smith's Board split 3-3 May 19 on a mayor-council switch, leaving citizen petitioners as the only path to a November 2026 ballot.
Here's what to know:
The board voted 3-3 on placing the government-change question on the 2026 ballot-one vote short of the 4 needed; the 2027 option never received a second motion
Citizen petitioners need approximately 2,608 valid voter signatures submitted to the city by late July 2026 to qualify for the November ballot
If voters approve a change in November 2026 or 2027, elections for the new mayor-council government would be held in November 2028
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
UAFS opens $7 million manufacturing center to rebuild Fort Smith's skilled workforce
What this means: A $7M training complex opened May 4 at UAFS targeting Fort Smith's 17,700 manufacturing jobs-a sector that's shed 11,500 jobs since 1999 and still faces critical worker shortages.
UAFS's $7M center, backed by $5.7M in state grants and a $1M gift from ABB, opens robotics, automation, and production training pathways.
Here's what to know:
The center includes a Manufacturing Academy launching later in 2026 for first-time manufacturing workers; short-term training also available for underemployed and incumbent workers through PLCs, robotics, and mechatronics
Manufacturing makes up 17.5% of all Fort Smith metro jobs-but employment has dropped from 29,200 in June 1999 to 17,700 today, and employers report ongoing shortages of skilled workers
Prospective students and employers can explore programs at uafs.edu or contact UAFS Economic and Workforce Development at (479) 788-7000
EDUCATION
Fort Smith schools plan STEM charter for Singapore Air Force families, approve $15M construction bond
What this means: Fort Smith is building infrastructure for up to 900 Singapore military families arriving for F-35 training at Ebbing in 2027-a STEM charter school and $15M in bond-funded repairs signal district readiness.
Fort Smith schools approved a STEM charter for Singapore Air Force families arriving in 2027 and a $15M bond for school repairs on May 18.
Here's what to know:
The elementary STEM charter, planned at Bonneville Elementary, was presented to the Arkansas Department of Education on Thursday, May 21, 2026; state approval is required before the school can open for fall 2027
Singapore F-35s are expected at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in late 2026, with up to 900 total Singapore Air Force personnel and families by summer 2027
The $15M bond package-approved 4-1 on May 18-covers an estimated $5.4M in Northside and Southside High roof repairs and $3M+ in Peak Innovation Center drainage work; bonds issue in late July 2026
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Quick updates
SkillStream workforce pilot launches to connect residents with energy and manufacturing jobs - City of Fort Smith and Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation create job pipeline for HVAC, energy efficiency, and manufacturing careers; employer partners being selected now - Read more
Police warn parents of "splatter gun" gatherings among students - FSPD says modified gel-bead guns resembling real firearms could trigger dangerous police encounters; city ordinance bans projectile devices without a permit - Read more
93rd Old Fort Days Rodeo opens Sunday with free public slack at 9 a.m. - Six nights of PRCA rodeo run May 25–30 at Kay Rodgers Park; parade Monday at 10 a.m. on Garrison Ave; adult tickets $20, children $10 - Read more
Fort Smith school district renames service center to honor 30-year superintendent - Board voted 4-0 on May 18 to name facility after Benny Gooden, who led district from 1986 to 2016; signage costs funded by private donations - Read more
📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
May 24–31, 2026 | Publication Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Must-Attend Events
🤠 93rd Annual Old Fort Days Rodeo | May 24–30 | Harper Stadium, Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Blvd, Fort Smith | Arkansas's biggest rodeo returns for its 93rd year with six nights of bull riding, barrel racing, bronc riding, mutton bustin', live music, midway attractions, and the iconic Memorial Day parade. Tickets $10–$20; family nights Tuesday–Wednesday at $10. | oldfortdaysrodeo.com/index.php?page=schedule
🪖 Memorial Day Ceremony at Fort Smith National Cemetery | Sunday, May 24 at 2:00 PM | Fort Smith National Cemetery, 522 Garland Ave at South 6th St, Fort Smith | Honor the fallen with Space Force Lt. Col. Chase Thornton as keynote speaker, patriotic music from the community band, and a 21-gun salute. Free and open to the public - bring a lawn chair and umbrella. | 4029tv.com - Memorial Day Ceremony
🛍️ Third Street Fair | Saturday, May 30, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM | 11 N. 3rd St., Downtown Fort Smith | The sixth annual outdoor market returns with vintage finds, artisan crafts, handmade goods, food vendors, and children's activities. Includes a Discover Fort Smith scavenger hunt. Free admission. | happeningnext.com - Third Street Fair
🦆 Duck Day Festival | Saturday, May 30, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM | Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 Zero St, Fort Smith | STEPS Family Resource Center's annual fundraiser kicks off with a 5K run at 8 AM, followed by the Duck Dash costume race, bounce houses, games, and family activities. Supports underserved River Valley families. | happeningnext.com - Duck Day Festival
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Old Fort Days Stage - Free Live Music | May 25–30, nightly 5:30–6:30 PM | Harper Stadium, Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Blvd, Fort Smith | Free live music performances on the Old Fort Days Stage before and after each rodeo performance throughout the week. No ticket required for the stage area. | oldfortdaysrodeo.com/index.php?page=schedule
EverFade Live | Friday, May 29 at 8:00 PM | Sheila's What'ya Do Ya'll Bar and Grill, 7000 Highway 71 S, Fort Smith | Arkansas rock band EverFade performs live at Sheila's for a night of live music. No cover details listed - check the venue. | happeningnext.com - EverFade at Sheila's
👪 Family-Friendly
Old Fort Days Rodeo Parade | Monday, May 25 at 10:00 AM | Garrison Avenue, Downtown Fort Smith | The beloved Memorial Day parade fills Garrison Avenue with rodeo queens, horses, floats, and western-themed entries celebrating the start of rodeo week. Free to watch along the parade route. | 4029tv.com - Old Fort Days Rodeo
250th Stars & Stripes Family Series: Independence Day | Tuesday, May 26 at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM | U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Dr, Fort Smith | Free interactive lessons and hands-on crafts exploring America's independence, the flag, and national symbols as part of the America 250 anniversary celebration. Two sessions available; registration required. | allevents.in - Stars & Stripes Family Series
Old Fort Days Rodeo - $10 Family Nights | Tuesday, May 26 & Wednesday, May 27 at 7:30 PM | Harper Stadium, Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Blvd, Fort Smith | Two nights with reduced $10 grandstand tickets for all seats, making the rodeo more accessible for families. Mutton bustin' qualifying begins at 4:30 PM. | oldfortdaysrodeo.com/index.php?page=schedule
Duck Day Festival 5K & Family Fun | Saturday, May 30 at 8:00 AM | Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 Zero St, Fort Smith | 5K run at 8 AM (registration 7:30 AM), Duck Dash costume race, bounce houses, and family games to support STEPS Family Resource Center. | happeningnext.com - Duck Day Festival
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Aqua Jog at Parrot Island Waterpark | Thursday, May 28, 8:00–10:00 AM | Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 S. Zero St, Fort Smith | Adults 30+ get exclusive early access to the Lazy River for relaxed water jogging and exercise before the park opens to the public. $7 per adult; free with Gold or Platinum season passes. | happeningnext.com - Aqua Jog
Wheels of Summer Car Show | Saturday, May 30, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM | Institute for the Creative Arts, 1101 Riverfront Dr, Fort Smith | Fort Smith's biggest car show features custom rides, classics, motorcycles, specialty vehicles, food trucks, vendors, and a live DJ. Top 50 and top 100 awards presented at 3 PM. Free admission for spectators; $20 vehicle registration. | happeningnext.com - Wheels of Summer
🎨 Arts & Culture
Fort Smith RAM: "Jon Williams: No Reservations" | Through September 13 | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Self-taught sculptor and painter Jon Williams showcases works exploring Native American culture, traditions, and historical injustices in this new exhibition sponsored by OG&E. Free with museum admission; open Tuesday–Saturday 11 AM–5 PM, Sunday 1–5 PM. | fsram.org
"The Western District" - Historical One-Act Play | Friday, May 29 & Saturday, May 30 at 1:30 PM | Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | River Valley Film Society and the Fort Smith Museum of History present this compelling one-act play exploring the controversial relocation of the Western District Court of Arkansas to Fort Smith in 1871 - and the corruption that followed. $18 per ticket (PG-13 rated). | fortsmithmuseum.org - The Western District
True Crime Tonight: The Arroyo-Robles Case (2001) | Saturday, May 30, 6:00–8:00 PM | U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Dr, Fort Smith | Retired USMS Supervisory Inspector Jason Grunwald recounts the dramatic capture of Hector Ricardo Arroyo-Robles, a fugitive tied to a Satanic cult who authorities feared would harm his girlfriend. $12.50 per ticket; free for museum members. Ages 18+ recommended. | happeningnext.com - True Crime Tonight
🎓 Education & Business
Old Fort Days Rodeo Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night | Friday, May 29 at 7:30 PM | Harper Stadium, Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Blvd, Fort Smith | Annual breast cancer awareness night honoring survivors and raising awareness for breast cancer research. A special guest cancer survivor will be recognized during the performance. General admission $20 adults, $17 military, $10 children. | oldfortdaysrodeo.com/index.php?page=schedule
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Dark Waters at Parrot Island | Friday, May 29, 7:30–10:00 PM | Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 S. Zero St, Fort Smith | Experience the waterpark after dark with nighttime slides, the lazy river, electric atmosphere, and cooler temperatures. $15 admission; free for Gold and Platinum season pass holders. | allevents.in - Dark Waters
Creekmore Park Pool - Summer Season Opens | Opens Sunday, May 24 | Creekmore Park Pool, 3301 S. M St, Fort Smith | Fort Smith's community pool opens for its 2026 summer season with general admission and season pass options. Hours: Monday–Saturday 12–6 PM, Sunday 1–5 PM. Memorial Day (Monday May 25) special hours apply. Cash only admission. | fortsmithar.gov - Creekmore Park Pool
Parrot Island Waterpark - Full Season Open | Daily through Labor Day | Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 S. Zero St, Fort Smith | Arkansas's favorite waterpark is now open daily, featuring the FlowRider, wave pool, lazy river, four water slides, kids' area, food, and cabana rentals. Season passes and day passes available online. | parrotislandwaterpark.com
⌚️ Recurring Events
Fort Smith Public Library Storytime - Main Library | Thursdays at 10:00 AM | Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Weekly storytime for children and caregivers featuring stories, songs, puppetry, finger plays, and crafts. Lasts about 35 minutes. Free. Note: Library closed Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day. | fortsmithlibrary.org/events/week/2026/05/27
RAM Saturdays | Every Saturday | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Free drop-in make-and-take art projects for all ages and skill levels. Open during regular museum hours (11 AM–5 PM). | fsram.org
Quick Hits
Old Fort Days Rodeo Cowboy Church - Free outdoor church service at Kay Rodgers Park - Sunday, May 24 at 8:00 AM
Longhua Xu: Soul Taking Shape - Arkansas Living Treasure exhibit at RAM, 1601 Rogers Ave - Through June 21
Peeking Inside the Imagination - Southside High School student artwork on display at RAM, 1601 Rogers Ave - Through June 14
Fort Smith RAM Night at the Museum - Extended hours until 7:30 PM with free figure drawing class - Note: next dates are June 4 & 18
Toddler Tuesday at Fort Smith Public Library - Flower Plate crafts event at the library - Tuesday, May 26 (check fortsmithlibrary.org for time/branch)
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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See you around town,
Your Neighbor
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