Scene By Carson: Here’s your September things to-do list

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.

The kids are back in school and you are back on your routine, you’ve got some free time and you can relax a little. Well that lasts all of two weeks before you’re aching for some social activities because you kid has abandoned you for their cool school friends. Don’t worry, September has gotcha covered in an assortment of activities. You are sure to find something to help pass the time while your kid is at football practice or loitering at the mall with their BFFs.

Sept. 5
2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Always wanted to see the Blue Man Group, but thought you had to make a trip to Vegas or New York to make that happen? Well not so. Just a short ride up the mountain and you will be engulfed in an explosion of true entertainment at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville.

Sept. 9
4 to 8 p.m.
Judging by the lunch line backed up to Rogers Avenue every day, it is safe to say Chick-Fil-A is a fan favorite. And hopefully, if you are a kind person, you like to help those in need. On this day your two joys can coincide. Just visit Chick-Fil-A and mention Habitat for Humanity and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Arkansas Valley Habitat for Humanity and the families in your community.

Sept. 9
7:30 p.m.
Second Street Live! is always sure to impress with its array of talent for an array of audience members. But W(h)ine, Women & Song is for, you guessed it, the women. Enjoy a night with local divas, Dr. Elizabeth Momand, Liz Madden, Nancy Mathis and Katherine Sherwood White, taking the fun and sound up a notch. Gather your girl friends, put on your sassy heels and head out for a girls night. Just $20 for a night full of priceless memories.

Sept. 11
7 a.m.
Come help support the Lavaca firefighters at the Lavaca Firefighters 5K Walk and Run. They walk through fire for you so take a walk in the nice, cool morning air for them. There will be medals, T-shirts and door prizes to be given away to participants. Pre-registration forms can be picked up at Lavaca City Hall, Jones Insurance and Main Street Grill in Lavaca and is $20 for signing up early or $25 the day of the race. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the walk/run kicks off at 8 a.m. at the corner of Arkansas 96 and Arkansas 253 in Lavaca. Call (479) 462-9629 for more details.

Sept. 11
9:30 a.m. to Noon
Did you know garlic is good for just more than making a tasty Italian dish and warding off vampires? It has so many benefits you need a whole class to explain the culinary, health and practical benefits, like how to use garlic to keep mosquitoes from biting you. Sponsored by the Herb Committee of River Valley Master Gardeners, “Crazy for Garlic” will be held at the Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South “M” Street. For $10 you are sure to get some ideas that will take your breath away —garlic, bad breath, get it?

Sept. 18
8 p.m.
Joy to the World, Three Dog Night is coming to the Fine Arts Center in Van Buren. Enjoy their many hits and reminisce about the good ole days. Tickets are $36, but remember, one is the loneliest number so be sure to bring a date. Call 479-471-4017 or visit the Art Center website for ticket information.

Sept. 19
Noon to 4 p.m.
You made it through the spring and summer wedding season. You won’t have to buy another toaster or silver plated butter knife that’s half your pay check till next year … guess again. Fall and winter wedding season are about to kick off and it starts with the Fall Bridal Fair at Central Mall. Brides-to-be, the fashion show starts at 3 p.m. Don’t let these great ideas pass you by.

Sept. 24
8 p.m. to Midnight
The weather is cooling off, hopefully no blistering hot heat advisories anymore, so it is the perfect time to enjoy the unique ambiance that Rib Room has to offer. This night is particularly great because The Pink Zebra is presenting A Night in Pink Benefit Concert benefiting the Ozark Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Guys show your caring and sensitive side; put on some pink for a good cause and take your gal to the stylings of Grant Pierson and Woodshed. Come early for an upfront table and some delicious ribs. Admission is $5 at the door.

Sept. 24
Hey y’all don’t forget the Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair starts! Fried fair food, giant pink stuffed monkeys, music and some very interesting people watching, there’s no denying it, the fair is always a fun and one-of-a-kind time to be had by all. It’s all at Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Blvd., in Fort Smith. Call 783-6176 or visit the Fair’s website if you need more details.

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