Scene by Carson: The August to-do list

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.

This is it; the last few weeks of summer. For some a joyous relief, for others a bitter adieu. Either way, make these last few weeks memorable ones, by checking out some of these activities.

Aug. 4
5 to 8 p.m.
Needing an art fix and can’t hold out till Crystal Bridges or the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum open? Try the August First Thursday at the Fayetteville Town Center.  There will be an outdoor art walk to view original works of art and performing arts.  Enjoy live music and a beer garden while you view.  Visit the First Thursday website for information on all First Thursday activities.

Aug. 5
6:30 p.m.
Dig your paws in your pocket and buy a ticket for Le Bone Appétit, fundraiser for the Sebastian Human Society. There will be a Fur De Lis fashion show, auctions and music by Larry B to shake your tail to. Tickets are $50, but don’t forget pets need love too. To get your ticket, call 783-4395.

Aug. 6
Get your Irish jig on! The McCafferty School of Irish Dance is hosting a free Irish Dance Workshop for those who have just been itching to learn. The class is taught by Judy McCafferty, whose students have performed and competed around the world. Boys and girls, kids and adults of all ages are welcome.  Lesson times: 4 to 4:45 p.m. ages 8-12; 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. ages 5-7; 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. teens and adults. At McCafferty School of Irish Dance, Chaffee Crossing, 12105 Ward Avenue. Call 208-9944 or visit the dance school’s website for more information.

Aug. 12
6 to 10 p.m.
It’s the last weekend before school starts. Do your kids a favor and make it a super fun weekend they will remember. What better way than at the First Tee of Fort Smith’s Family Fun Night. There will be carnival style games, a dunking tank, a climbing wall and night golf. Parents, you might just end up having a blast, too. At The First Tee Facility, 5800 Geren Road. Call 648-9833 for more information.

Aug. 13

11 a.m.
Between getting dunked and climbing a rock wall out at The First Tee, don’t forget to buy some Ball Drop tickets. Just $10 gets you a ball in the Ball Drop and the closest ball to the hole wins $5,000!  Go stock up on balls and your chances to win. Call 648-9833 to get your tickets.

Aug. 19
11:15 a.m.
Football is about to get kicked off; kick it off for the hogs at the Razorback Football Luncheon. Join Coach Bobby Petrino and the football team, with emcee Jimmy Dykes, an ESPN analyst and Arkansas graduate. Tickets are $25 each or reserve a table of 8 with two seats for football student-athletes or coaches. Call (800) 982-4647 or email [email protected] for tickets. At the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers.

Aug. 20
8 p.m.
The Saints and Sinners Comedy Show will be at the Fort Smith Event Center. This dynamic duo is two friends with two different views on life; the southern family man and the uninhibited single man share their funny takes. Call 782-6600 or visit the Saints and Sinners website to learn more.

Aug. 27
7 p.m.
Single parents are courageous people, but it is even more commendable to see single parents going to school to try and provide a better life for their children and themselves. Participate in “A Night in Tuscany” to help benefit the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Crawford and Sebastian Counties. Enjoy a night of Italian wine, food, music and good company at the home of Sharon and Sam Sicard. Tickets are $50. Call 434-6171 or e-mail to register, [email protected] or visit the website.

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