Scene By Carson: Welcome to July

Editor’s note: Amanda Carson recently graduated from Ole Miss where she wore a cocktail dress and high heels to football games at which tailgating was conducted in a tent adorned with a chandelier. Prior to this she attended a private school in Memphis at which Southern manners and etiquette were stressed — which does not explain her football game decisions. Anyway, Amanda will attempt to infuse her Southern experiences, exposure and education into the arts and entertainment scene in the Fort Smith/Van Buren region.

To say Arkansas in July is hot, is like saying Ole Miss tailgating is just kind of fun; totally an understatement (Ole Miss is the best tailgating in the South)! OK, some may dispute that point, whatever, but there is no denying it is hot right now. So here are a few things to help you keep your cool, while it’s hot.  Or at least take your mind off the heat.

July 3
Start the holiday weekend off right with a 5K run to help offset the inevitable consumption of hot dogs, potato salad and beer before you. The 30th Annual Freedomfest 5K Run and activities take place in the Greenwood Town Square. Enjoy kid activities, live music, free lunch, an array of vendors and fireworks. Runners may register in advance at Farmers Bank in Greenwood, online registration is also available.  Race starts at Old Hackett Road and Wayland Parker Drive. Entry fees are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the race. Registration is at 6:30 a.m., the run is at 7:30 a.m. and slackers, you do not have to be there till after 9:00 a.m.

July 3
7:30 p.m.
Bluegrass music and fireworks on the Arkansas River bank; what could be more country and fun? Well nothing I can think of, that is why you should go to the Mayor’s Fourth of July Celebration. There will also be music by the River Valley Community Band, a barbershop quartet and Mr. Cabbage Head and the Screaming Radishes, if Bluegrass just isn’t your thing. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, but I suggest having a blanket and picnic basket full of goodies in tow. Attendance is FREE and the fun happens at Clayton Expressway and North B.

July 13
10 a.m.
Ever wanted to learn some sweet archery skills? Chyeah! Who hasn’t? Well thanks to the River Valley Nature Center you can. No registration is needed. Just be 18 years or older. The nature center is at 8300 Wells Lake Road, and you can call 452-3993 for more info. Step aside Robin Hood!

July 15
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Go enjoy the Taste of South Logan County. It’s exactly what it sounds like; getting to taste what South Logan County has to offer. For the bargain price of $6 a person, you can indulge in an array of foods prepared by local restaurants, businesses, organizations and individuals. Now don’t you know that’s gonna be some fine country cookin’? No better way to indulge and for just 6 bucks. Tasting takes place at Jeral Hampton Meeting Place on the corner of Arkansas 10 and Bennett in Booneville.

July 15
1 p.m.
Now we all know the wet T-shirt contest is something every father fears when his daughter goes on her first spring break, but this is a T-shirt contest you can be proud of your daughter, or son, winning!  A frozen T-shirt contest. “What is such a thing?” you may ask. The best darn way for your kids to have fun and stay cool, that’s what it is. Take a white T-shirt to the Mulberry Public Library two days before, so they can get the shirt good and frozen. On the day of the event participants compete to see who can get the frozen T-shirt on first. Then, to top it off, they dunk an XXXL shirt in water and they have a relay race in their huge wet shirt. It’s FREE and fun! Ages 6 and older, but dads you might look a little silly out there. Call (479) 997-1226 for more info.

July 16 – 17
Those that have been lucky enough to go to the Memphis BBQ Fest know there is none that can compare to the greatness, but considering that is in May and it is now July, you must be needing your BBQ fix. Here is something that might help; the 9th annual Bordertown Bash BBQ Competition. The Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned event will take place here in Fort Smith. Teams from all over will come in to compete for pride and to be the BBQ Champion. Proceeds go to various children’s charities, so it is a win-win event for all! Visit the Bordertown website or call (479) 650-9135 for details.

July 20
11:30 a.m.
Are you a strong-willed, independent woman? Would you like to meet more women like yourself? Well then head on down to the Women of Vision Luncheon, presented by and benefitting Girls Inc., a great organization geared toward instilling strong character in young women. Keynote speaker will be Judy R. McReynolds, president and CEO of Fort Smith-based Arkansas Best Corp. The luncheon includes drawings and a silent auction featuring fashion accessories, like sunglasses. A girl could always use more accessories! Tickets are just $25 and corporate tables of 10 are $300. It will be held at the great new Phoenix Expo & Trade Event Center. Call 782-0622 for more details.

July 24
6 p.m.
Ladies and gentleman, let’s get ready to rumble! It is a Night of Champions; cage fighting of epic proportions for Fort Smith, featuring 15 bouts. There will be four professional and eleven amateur fighters. Tickets range from $25 to $50, depending on how much blood and sweat you want to be showered in. The show is at the Fort Smith Event Center, 12 N. 11th St., and you may call 420-5044 for details. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the rumbling begins at 8 p.m.

July 30-31
Ever dreamed of going to Italy and touring the beautiful countryside vineyards and drinking their perfect, savory wines? Well unless you got yourself a sugar daddy or sugar mama that might not be in your near future. But what is in the near future is the 27th annual Grape Festival at Altus City Park in Altus. There will be a grape stomp, games, music, crafts, an amateur winemaking contest, street dances and a Bacchus look-alike contest (whoever that may be, but if you look like him go for it!). You can also get fresh grapes, go on cellar and vineyard tours and, best of all, tastings! Call (479) 468-4684 for more grapelicious details.

July 31
10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
So you had that mid-life crisis and went out and spent way too much on the Harley with fierce flames down the side all because you want to feel the wind in your receding hair. But there’s one problem — you don’t know how to ride the dang thing. Now what? Well it’s a good thing you stumbled across the class “Motorcycling for the Mature Rider.” You’re not as spry as you were when you were 30 so this class will help you learn new approaches and concepts, including compensating for the normal age-related physical changes that may affect the riding ability of the “Mature Rider.” The fee is just $10; hey what’s $10 more after the boat-load you spent on the hog in the first. OK, so your wife wasn’t thrilled with the impulse purchase. Well help her change her mind by coming an hour earlier and attending the 9 a.m. class on Co-rider Safety. Receive education and information that will result in an increased awareness, greater team interaction and more fun on your new toy and I bet she learns to love the toy more than you. Show her she can be a hot motorcycle mama! Both classes are at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, Business and Industrial Institute, Room 122, 5210 Grand Ave. Call 788-7220 for more details.

Feedback
Even though she graduated from Ole Miss, Amanda is comfortable using e-mail. You can reach her at [email protected]