Good morning, Fort Smith.

The Fort Smith Fall Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 4 downtown and will offer activities for families, live music, food trucks and a vendor fair.

Festival events will continue as planned—though activities at the National Historic Site will be canceled if the federal government shutdown remains in effect.

Main Street Fort Smith has launched a mini-grant program to help downtown owners improve historic features and update facades.

Applications are open through November 14 and winners will be announced on December 15—projects will finish by April 15, 2026—offering reimbursements from $1,500 to $7,500.

Today at 5:30 p.m., the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center opens a free interactive exhibit on Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley that uses media and videos to share their story and role in the Civil Rights Movement.

The exhibit, designed by the Indianapolis Children’s Museum and the Emmett Till Interpretive Center, runs through Jan. 4—featuring special programs with live music and cultural foods.

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith will host One Pill Can Kill Training at noon on Monday in the Reynolds Room at the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center—Attorney General Tim Griffin will attend to help teach students, faculty and staff how to spot the dangers of counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl while giving out Fentanyl Harm Prevention Kits.

The Fort Smith National Historic Site is closed today due to the federal shutdown, which canceled history reenactments for the Fall Festival scheduled for Saturday—downtown events like free museum admission, food trucks, and live entertainment will continue as planned.

Officials announced a street closure on North A between N 7th and N 8th Streets for utility repairs and upgrades—scheduled for Oct.

6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A federal judge in Fayetteville delayed ruling on a lawsuit by Save AR Democracy and the League of Women Voters that challenges several 2025 state laws tightening signature rules for ballot initiatives—plaintiffs say the laws limit direct democracy.

The decision will come after the judge reviews hundreds of pages of court documents.

The Sebastian Retired Citizens Association said it will help seniors sign up for Medicare from Oct 15 until Dec 7 by visiting homes to guide them through paperwork even if the Medicare website shows delays — call Fort Smith Senior Activity Center at 479 6489970 for help.

Mansfield will host Charleston in the 3A-1 Conference game on Friday following last week’s wins by Mansfield, Charleston, and Booneville — the contest is the first of three mega-matchups in the conference season.

Coach Whit Overton discussed the game format with an official at Mansfield High School last Thursday.

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.

Arts On Main — Scare & Share

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Arts On Main — Free entry — Dress up in your Halloween costume for candy and stickers in a festive atmosphere.