Good morning, Fort Smith.

This weekend the River Valley will host many holiday events — a festive lineup that includes the Creekmore Holiday Express Train in Fort Smith, live music at Majestic, bingo at the Convention Center, and ice skating in Van Buren.

Enjoy light displays and seasonal activities across local parks from December 19 to 21.

Students from the Community School of the Arts will perform the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (this weekend) in Fort Smith, offering local theater and improv fans a chance to enjoy a unique live show.

Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus held a ceremony on Dec.

9 honoring its fall 2025 GED graduates at the ATU-Ozark Student Services Conference Center. Director Wayne Fawcett said the graduates overcame challenges to meet their GED requirements.

Five UAFS students were awarded SURF Grants by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, marking a record for the school.

Four received grants for STEM research and one for a non-STEM project (a first for UAFS), with each student-mentor pair receiving $2,750 for stipend and travel costs.

Arkansas football programs have been preparing for weeks in anticipation of the NCAA transfer portal opening on Jan.

2 & teams expect the shorter window to boost recruiting competition for new talent.

Candlelight Christmas Concert

6:30-8:30 p.m. — United States Marshals Museum — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Christmas Carols performed by strings under candlelight.

$5 Movie Night at King Opera House

12-2 p.m. — King Opera House — $5 entry — Enjoy a budget-friendly movie screening in a historic venue.

Wiggle Worms Storytime

10-11 a.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Enjoy rhymes, songs, and stories in a delightful interactive storytime for babies and caregivers.

Children's Storytime

10-11 a.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, and puppetry in a delightful weekly gathering for kids and caregivers.

STEAM Team: Snowflakes Workshop

3:30-5:00 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Explore science and art by creating snowflake designs with marshmallows and toothpicks.

Growing Little Readers: Everyday Literacy for Every Family

5:30-7 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Discover practical tools to foster children's literacy and love for reading through everyday activities.

Open Mic Night

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library — Free entry — A casual evening for poets and musicians to showcase their talent or enjoy performances.