Scene by Carson: Ready for March?

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.

Spring fever is starting to break. But this is one fever you will not mind catching, especially with events like these that can be a great cure.

March 4
6 p.m.
New Orleans is not the only place that can celebrate Mardi Gras with pizzazz.  "Mardi Gras, The Best Party in Town" presented by the Fort Smith Museum of History is sure to put some jazz in your step. Enjoy cocktails, an authentic Cajun dinner, live auction and, of course, dancing. There is a chance to win a $2,000 shopping spree at Newton’s Jewelers; much better than the traditional plastic Mardi Gras beads. Tables start at $500 or get individual tickets for $50 each. Event will be held at IC Parish Center, 22 N. 13th St. Call 783-7841 or visit the Museum website for tickets.

March 5
7 p.m.
Gospel Fest 2011 is sure to be one of the largest musical productions Fort Smith has ever seen. Sponsored by the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Academy of the Arts and held at Harvest Time Tabernacle. The event will showcase area choirs, children’s choirs and area soloists with gospel from southern, black and classical hymns. Tickets are available at UAFS Box Office and participating churches. Call 788-7300 or 788-7251 or visit the UAFS Academy website to get your tickets.

March 5
7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The Young Emerging Leader’s present their Bella Notte Gala. Only $25 will provide a night of drinks, dinner, silent auction and dancing at the Fort Smith Convention Center Annex.  Proceeds will benefit YEL’s Scholarship Fund. RSVP at [email protected] or visit the YEL website for more info.

March 11
6 p.m.
Enjoy a taste of class while at the wine tasting for Bost’s 9th Annual Grape Escapes. The event offers tasting of over 350 wines from around the world with delicious food samplings and outstanding live auction items. Enjoy entertainment from the stunning Miss Arkansas and music from the Don Bailey Jazz Combo. You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to enjoy this one-of-a-kind event. Tickets are $100 each and all proceeds will benefit Bost Inc. Event will be held at Holiday Inn City Center. Call 478-5554 or visit the Bost website to get tickets.

March 14
7 p.m.
This Glee Club was making outstanding music long before the popular TV show. The Harvard Glee Club, established in 1858, is a 60-voice male ensemble and is the oldest college chorus in the nation. Enjoy the splendor of their musical talents at the Arend Arts Center in Bentonville. Call (479) 443-5600 or visit The Walton Arts Center website for more information.

March 17
10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Stop by The Secret Nook antique boutique for an all day trunk show of the full line of the beautiful Waxing Poetic jewelry and delightful scents of Tokyo Milk. Refreshments and finger foods will be available. Don’t forget to wear your green; the more green you wear the bigger discount you can get and you won’t get pinched! Located at 1500 Rogers Ave. and corner of Lexington Avenue. Call 782-1949 for more details or check out The Secret Nook fan page on Facebook.

March 22-25
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The best child entertainment in town is at The First Tee of Fort Smith. For just $10 your child can get a week of on-course golf classes, learn about core values and compete in a tournament on Friday.  The child must be a First Tee member or can get a 2011 membership for only $35 when you sign up. Call 648-9833 to get your child signed up or visit The First Tee website for more information.

March 26
10 a.m.
The weather is finally beginning to feel like spring and it is time to get out and enjoy it. Try a hike at Devil’s Den park and learn about the geology of the state park at the same time. Devil’s Den State Park is located at 11333 W. Arkansas 74, west off Interstate 540. Call 761-3325 or visit the Devil’s Den website to learn more about what our State Parks have to offer.

March 26
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For all the new moms and moms to-be, the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Springdale is holding the World’s Largest Baby shower. Learn everything from bottles to burping and get goodie bags and prizes from tons of vendor booths.

March 29
6 p.m.
Is it time for a girl’s night again? Try Girl’s Night at Hollywood Stars Pizza.  Enjoy wine, salad and wonderful pizza while watching chick flicks with your girls and no dishes for you to clean up afterward, always a plus. Hollywood Stars Pizza is located at 7805 Rogers Ave. in front of Kohl’s. Call 452-4445 or visit the website for more info.

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