Scene by Carson: Poets, Polar Bears and Jazz in January. Oh my!

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.

Right now everyone has the Sugar Bowl Blues and the after Holiday woes. Here are some events to get your mind off the past and looking forward to the New Year.

Jan. 13
7:30 p.m.
Second Street Live has found a way to make poetry entertaining, engaging and yes, fun. Regie O’Hare Gibson, Timothy Mason and Jena Gessaman were such a hit last year that they are back this year. They are the Trio of Poets and they are ready to change your mind about poetry. Tickets are $20. Call 719-8783 for more information.

Jan. 14
Well college football season is officially over. Do you need something to fill the void? Thankfully Oaklawn Park Racetrack horse racing is back in season. No need to say more. For more details visit the website.

Jan. 15
10 a.m.
Did you have one too many helpings of stuffing and now you are feeling stuffed yourself? Get a group of friends together and go to the Polar Bear Walk at Creekmore Park. The Polar Bear Walk is a fundraiser benefiting the Girl’s Shelter of Fort Smith.  Get moving and contact the Girl’s Shelter for sign-up sheets at 646-0444.

Jan. 25
11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce is hosting its bimonthly Business2Business Connection Luncheon at the Central Mall Community Room. This is a great opportunity to network and share your company’s qualities with a room of professionals.  You can reserve a spot by calling the chamber at 783-3111 or emailing [email protected]

Jan. 28
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce is holding its Annual Meeting at the Holiday Inn City Center. This is an opportunity to learn about the efforts of the Chamber over the past year and to learn what you can look forward to in 2011. Call the Chamber to reserve your seat or table, 783-3111.

Jan. 29
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Central Mall is holding a Health Fair just in time for New Year’s health resolutions.  Visit a variety of booths informing, educating and giving free health screenings on a variety of health issues. Visit the Central Mall website for more details.

Jan. 29
7:30 p.m.
Already missing the sounds of New Orleans or did you miss out on New Orleans all together? The Fort Smith Symphony is offering you a chance to hear the Sound of New Orleans. The Fort Smith Symphony is joined by the talented Byron Stripling to showcase the legendary music of Louis Armstrong. Stripling is the director of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra and known for his interactive performances. Call 452-7575 or visit the symphony website for details.

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