Good morning, Fort Smith.

The Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair returns to the Fort Smith Fairgrounds this weekend—Sept.

19 to Sept. 27—with hours varying by event. Local residents can enjoy the fair as part of a busy lineup of regional activities.

Online calls for the board director’s removal have grown after he stepped out during a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk at Tuesday’s meeting — local residents say his walk-out was disrespectful.

The Arkansas Colleges of Health Education held its White Coat Ceremony at the Fort Smith Convention Center on Saturday, where 197 students—153 in osteopathic medicine and 44 in physical therapy—received white coats that mark the start of their health care training.

Leaders stressed that the coat symbolizes a pledge to serve with integrity and ethical care.

Fort Smith Southside seniors will try to finish their perfect nonconference schedule on Friday as they travel to Little Rock to face Southwest—after wins over Fort Smith Northside and Little Rock Central, coach Kim Dameron said the team played efficiently.

They are building on their strong start as they prepare for another important win on their long road trip.

Gospel Open Mic Night

7-9 p.m. — 1127 Coffee Shop — Free entry — Experience an uplifting evening of worship and local Christian talent at this communal open mic event.

Friends of the Library Chocolate Festival

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Dallas Branch) — $10 for six tastes — Indulge in a chocolate wonderland with tastings from local chocolatiers.

SHS Class of 1985 - 40th Reunion

7:00 PM – 10:30 PM — Majestic Fort Smith — $70 per person — Celebrate four decades since graduation with food, music, and old friends.

Larry Bedell Day Celebration

5-10 p.m. — 906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge — $40 — Celebrate over 60 years of music with the Larry B Soul Experience band in honor of Larry Bedell.

Peacemaker Festival 2025

1-9 p.m. — Riverfront Amphitheater — Tickets on sale — Enjoy a live performance by Stephen Wilson Jr. at this vibrant festival celebration.

DNA Discoveries Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Explore the fascinating world of genetic genealogy in this informative series of classes.

Book Lover's Club

10 AM – 12 PM — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Share your latest reads in a welcoming book community.

Survivors’ Challenge 10K/5K

2-5 p.m. — Reynolds Cancer Support House — Fundraising event — Celebrate 34 years of community support while running for a cause.