Scene by Carson: A hot August has plenty to do

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.

August means the loom of summer ending, the last chance for a family vacation and last minute back to school shopping. All slightly stressful things to think about, but these are some distractions to help you relax and have some last bit of fun.

Aug. 5
10 a.m.
Almost all children’s toys of today have a computer element of some type and kids seem to be less and less appreciative of what they have. Take them to “Come Play at the Fort” to see how kids in the 1800s played and see if they change their appreciation tune. Plus it is free, unique and educational. Advanced reservations are required. If you can’t make it Aug. 5 they offer the same opportunity Aug. 7. The event is at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, 301 Parker, 783-3961.

Aug. 7
12 p.m.                                                                                                                                      Would you like a chance the win $5,000 for just $10? The First Tee of Fort Smith presents the 11th Annual Golf Ball Drop where you could win just that. Buy your tickets at the First Tee of Fort Smith where each $10 ticket will get you a golf ball with your name on it. All golf balls bought will be taken up into a helicopter and then dropped onto a putting green with one hole on it. The lucky person whose name is on the ball that goes into the hole will win $5,000. But hurry, tickets are limited. The First Tee of Fort Smith is located at 5800 Geren Road or call 648-9833.

Through Aug. 8
3-D movies have become all the rage, but there is still nothing that quite compares to the grace and experience of a Broadway theatre production. The Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville is showing one of the best classics, “Beauty and the Beast.” Tickets start at just $39 for memories that will last far beyond the next Pixar film. Call the box office at (479) 443-5600.

Aug. 12
6 p.m.
Want a refreshing and beautiful change of scenery? Take a short drive up to Fayetteville to enjoy Moonflowers & Margaritas at Cocktails in the Garden, a fundraiser for the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Atmosphere is casual with drinks, appetizers, surprise entertainment and 8 beautiful acres of unique gardens. Member tickets are $15 and non members are $20. The Botanical Garden is at 4703 N. Crossover in Fayetteville, (479) 750-2620.

Aug. 14
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
It’s the last Saturday before school starts and the kids are obviously upset. This won’t ease the pain but at least it will keep them preoccupied for a little bit. The Windsor Branch Public Library is holding a Back to School Ice Cream Social were families can enjoy free ice cream as a summer send off. 4701 Windsor Drive, (479) 785-0405.

Aug. 17
7 p.m.
Maybe your end of summer family vacation is a camping trip. Maybe you just bought that brand new RV because you want to be more outdoorsy. Either way, a few basic GPS navigation skills would be good to have for hikers, hunters or the average Joe.  Come to the Arkansas River Valley Nature Center and borrow one of their GPS units to navigate Wells Lake and search for their geocache. Class is free but registration is required. The center is located at 8300 Wells Lake Road. 452-3993.

Aug. 28
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Everyone with kids knows how extensive and expensive their class reading list can be and the relaxing habit for yourself can add up at $20 or so a pop. Luckily the Fort Smith Public Library is holding their annual used book sale with a selection of hardbacks and paperbacks from your favorite authors, with a selection of children’s books, videos and audiobooks as well. Books start at 25 cents and go to $5. Members of the Friends of the Fort Smith Public Library may come to the exclusive Friends-only Preview Sale on Friday, Aug. 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be a 25 book limit at the preview sale. Friends of the Library memberships start at $10 and will be for sale at the Preview Sale.  3201 Rogers Ave, 783-0229.

Aug. 28
8 p.m. to 11 p.m.                                                                                                          Everyone who has watched “Grease” would be lying if they said they didn’t want to learn how to swing dance so they could win the next dance-off they are in with John Travolta.  Learn how at the Momentum Dance Concepts so you will be ready when the occasion arises. 615A Main St., Suite 4 in Van Buren. For all skill types!
www.itsaboutmomentum.com

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