Scene by Carson: April has arrived

Editor’s note: Amanda Carson 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.

You are out of luck. There is not a single good thing going on in April.

April Fool’s!

There is a great mix of activities to beat the April showers blues.

April 1
It’s the Park at West End Downtown’s season opening; no April Fool’s. Take a whirl on the Farris wheel and carousel for only a $1 a ride; that’s no joke either. Go see what Downtown has to offer this spring. The city is only as fun as you make it, so get out there and support Downtown!

April 4
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Let’s face it; no one is really a good listener anymore. Everything is so fast-paced that we have had to make our listening fast-paced too. Take a few hours out of your day, grab a friend who is also a poor listener – ladies, for most of you this will be your husband – and attend Listening Skills for Effective Communication. The workshop will teach how to actively listen and also focus on empathetic listening and how to give the proper feedback in those situations. Workshop is held at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith in the Flanders Building, Room 114, at North 50th St. and Grand Avenue. Call 788-7742 to register for $59. Men, your wives will thank you.

April 4
6:30 p.m.
It’s a Tea Party, and not the Mad Hatter kind. The Fort Smith Public Library is host for the River Valley Tea Party. For those who might not know if you are Tea Party pro or not, the Tea Party advocates reduced government spending, opposes taxation in varying degrees, supports reduction of the government debt and government budget deficit and believes in an original interpretation of the United States Constitution. Exchange ideas with those who support the same beliefs as you. Call 414-3667 for more information.

April 11
1 p.m.
Everyone gets their child’s picture taken with the Easter Bunny; b-o-r-i-n-g. Try taking your doggy to have a professional photo taken with the Easter Bunny; if you really want, your kids can also be in the picture. It will be hop-ening at the Ultimutt Dog Care, 5702 South 73rd Place. Sitting Fee is $5 – a bunny’s got to make a living. Call 242-1186 or visit the website for more information.

April 12
8 p.m.
Fort Smith Little Theater presents “Sex Please, We’re Sixty.” A play that shows Baby Boomers are still booming in a comedy with lots of hot flashes and lots of laughs. Show is $20 and all proceed benefit Arkansas Valley Habitat for Humanity. Refreshments will be available before the show and during intermission in case you have your own hot flash. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. at 401 N. Sixth St. Call 782-8255 for more information.

April 23
9:30 a.m. to Noon
Everyone needs an herbal adventure every now and then, especially in honor of Earth Day. Thankfully, The Herb Committee of River Valley Master Gardeners is having an Herbal Adventure where you eat, plant and learn about herbs. The program teaches tips on selecting, planting and harvesting herbs in your own home. After all, the new trend is going organic and doing the herbal.  And you can’t talk about herbs without getting the munchies, so Hannelore DeKunffy’s German Pancakes will be served. Only $15 and held at the Chaffee Crossing Learning Fields. Call Shirley for the hook-up, 782-6915.

April 28
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Until today, the closest Arkansas came to anything French was Paris, Ark. For those wanting to get a glimpse of what it would be like to go to the most famous city in the world, but don’t have the budget, try Taste of France at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. Instead of spending more than $2,000 just spend $20 and celebrate French language, cuisine, film, fashion and culture. Call 788-7220 or visit the UAFS Lifelong Learning Center website for more information.

April 30
7 p.m.
It seems like all trends once enjoyed by our grandparents and parents are making a comeback.  Be one of the first ones to jump in and learn West Coast Swing at Momentum Dance Concepts in Van Buren. Learn the steps then show off your hot moves at the dance to follow. Lessons are for all levels and only $5. Call (479) 285-9090 or visit the Momentum website for more information.

April 30
7:30 p.m.
In memory of former Fort Smith Mayor Ray Baker, the Western Arkansas Ballet Company and area children will perform Tchaikovsky’s Alice in Wonderland. This will be a tea party with the Mad Hatter and all sorts of magical creatures. Tickets go on sale online on Monday (April 4) and at the studio beginning April 18 at Western Arkansas Ballet, 4701 Grand Avenue from noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Performance will be at Arkansas Best Corporation Performing Arts Center (in the Fort Smith Convention Center), 55 S. Seventh St. Call 785-0152 or visit the Western Arkansas Ballet website for more information.

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