Scene by Carson: Cool events, hot month

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.

July is scorching hot, but thankfully there are some cool happenings to keep your mind off the rising heat index.

July 2
2 p.m.
Nicholas Cage ain’t got nothing on this treasure hunter. Researcher Robert Myers from Illinois presents “Under Cover of Darkness: Buried Treasure, Magic, and Deception in the Ozarks Mountains.” It’s a program about treasure hunter Charlie Gonzales. Myers grew up in Northwest Arkansas exploring caves and gathering stories about underground adventures. He works to “perpetuate the best of our past to enrich our future.” Storytelling is at the Shiloh Museum in downtown Springdale. Call 750-8165 for more information.

July 8
7 p.m.
Fest-of-Ale — the cleverness says it all. It’s a Beer and Bourbon Tasting benefiting Girls Inc. Tickets are $35 for beer and $40 to add bourbon; I suggest splurging for the bourbon. At the Holiday Inn City Center. Call Girls Inc. at 782-0622 to get you tickets. Be sure to make plans for a designated driver or cab beforehand!

July 12
Goody’s is out to do good, along with being the freshest and most delicious addition to Fort Smith. Goody’s will donate a percentage of their sales to The First of Tee of Fort Smith on second Tuesday of the month. Just mention The First Tee at the register and enjoy your sweet treat and warm fuzzy feeling inside.

July 15
6:15 a.m.
It’s the 40th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast with guest Tim Horton, assistant coach for the Razorbacks. Sponsored by the Christian Business Mens Committee.  At the Holiday Inn Ballroom. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce or at the door. Call 452-6603 for more information.

July 15
7 p.m. 
Jimmy Buffet in Fort Smith?! No, but it’s the next best thing; Bluffett – a tribute to Jimmy Buffett and his Coral Reefer band. Turn into a Parrothead and dance till you blowout a flip-flop. At the Fort Smith Event Center. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Call 782-6600 for tickets or go to www.fortsmitheventcenter.net for more information.

July 17
2 p.m.
Organic and home grown is the everlasting fad so jump on board. Learn to make your own whole grain breads and the nutritional values of whole grain at Bread Making 101.
At the Fort Smith SDA Gym, 200 Louisville, 646-1542.

July 23

7 a.m.
Shop early and find great bargains at the annual Community Services Clearinghouse Parking Lot Sale. Come find your own treasures to take home and help support the summer “Meals For Kids” program in Fort Smith. Located at 4420 Wheeler Ave., call 782-5074 or visit the Clearinghouse website for more information.

July 23
1 to 4 p.m.
The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum sponsors a Family Day and a "Found Objects" Art Class. Young people are asked to bring found objects from home to create their own piece of art. Teachers will be available to assist with the project. Examples of found objects include, but are not limited to: plastic bottles, buttons, marbles, feathers, rocks or anything of interest to the aspiring artist. Refreshments, fun and creativity will be plentiful. This event is free and open to the public. At the Creekmore Park Community Center, Azalea and Magnolia Rooms. Contact the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum for more information, 784-2787.

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