Good morning, Fort Smith.

Fort Smith invites residents to the free Mayor’s 4th of July Celebration at Harry E.

Kelley River Park on July 4 from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, where food trucks, games and children’s activities are planned + Mayor George McGill will welcome guests, Shaylen will perform at 8:00 PM + fireworks will light the sky at 9:20 PM.

On April 16, 2025, parole officer Angelo Townsend visited Rolf Kaestel’s former Sherwood home to locate him—even though Kaestel died on Feb 25 and residents already knew his death—leaving the current occupants confused.

Last week, Judge Gunner DeLay accepted a guilty plea from John Anthony Cole for murder and attempted capital murder—sentencing him to 200 years—and posted on Facebook eight minutes before the hearing to request donations for a victim, prompting ethical concerns now under investigation.

Former MLB pitching coach Leo Mazzone visited Fort Smith Marshals over the weekend and held a pitching clinic for local coaches.

He also worked with kids at a camp and attended the game at the U.S. Marshals Museum (a local site of baseball history) while sharing his enduring passion for the sport.

Summer Smash Music Festival

5:30-11:59 p.m. — Majestic Fort Smith — Cost info not specified — Celebrate REHAB's 25th Anniversary with live music across genres hosted by Peter Dante.

The Hangout Summer Classic Pickleball Tournament

Jun 20-22 — The Hangout Fitness and Sports — Registration required — A competitive weekend for pickleball enthusiasts in Fort Smith.

Monster Truck Insanity Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Harper Stadium — Ticket info available — Experience the thrill of monster trucks tearing up the arena.

On-Site Tour of Cornerstone Caregiving

9 AM - 7 PM — Cornerstone Caregiving — Free entry — Explore senior living excellence with gourmet meals and award-winning care.

Central Mall Card Show

10 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Jun 26) & 12 - 5 p.m. (Jun 27-29) — Central Mall — Free entry — Discover collectible cards and sports memorabilia at this exciting showcase.

Arkansas Junior Amateur Championship

June 30th - July 2nd — Hardscrabble Golf Course — Entry required ASGA membership — Compete in a 54-hole stroke play championship for junior golfers aged 12-18.