Scene by Carson: A busy November

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.

It is official countdown mode for the Holidays; lots and lots to do. Everyone needs a break from the Holiday harassment so are some ways to help you manage the Holidays or escape them for a bit.

Nov. 5
9:30 a.m.
Halloween may be over, but there are still witches and wizards about. “Where are they?” you ask. Why they are at the Lions Quidditch Fall Cup, of course. You may think it is something juvenile, but quite frankly, there are just as many adults that have read, loved and hoped Harry Potter could be real. And this can be your chance to live out a part of the wizarding world. The match will be between University of Arkansas at Fort Smith students and faculty for the honor of winning the Fall Cup. Donations are suggested to benefit the United Way. Match will be held at UAFS Campus Green. Bring your broom stick! Muggles are welcome (if you don’t know what muggle means, ask your kids).

Nov. 8
7:30 p.m.
There is no one that can top Audrey Hepburn in “My Fair Lady,” which won the eight Academy Awards to prove it, but it is always great to see classics in different forms. The Broadway production started in 1956 and set a record for the longest run of any major theater production in history and has even been called “the perfect musical.” That makes Alma Performing Arts Center’s production of the classic a “must see,” especially for those who have not been privileged. You will be singing and dancing all night, and most likely well into the week, after you see it. Call 632-2129 or visit the center’s website to get tickets ($25 – $35).

Nov. 9
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Thanksgiving is meant to be a day of celebration for all the blessings and good fortune in your life. It is also a day for splurging and eating till your pant button pops off onto the lace table cloth. But somewhere along the American path a day of splurging turned into an everyday of splurging. Maybe we need to go back to the basics and remember the first Thanksgiving where the Native Americans taught the pilgrims to eat better. Why not let Tara Askins with the UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning be your guide to share healthy Thanksgiving recipes. It is $12 for the class, which is way less than the family pants alterations bill. Call 788-7220 or visit the learning center’s website.

Nov. 10
5:30 p.m.
If you are taking the steps to get physically healthy, you should take the extra step to get financially healthy. This is a very hard thing to do with the Holidays just around the corner. Nancy Ford, a CCOA credit counselor, will teach you budgeting for the Holidays. Now maybe you can enjoy the Holidays without stressing over how to afford the Holidays. The meeting is held at the Reynolds Cancer Support House.

Nov. 10
1 to 3 p.m.
For many people in this high-tech society it is easy to take something as simple as a card for granted, but cards are often treasured pieces of communication for U.S. troops and their families. Unfortunately there are not many Hallmarks or Walgreens overseas and on the corners in the desert. That is why the Van Buren Public Library needs volunteers to help make cards for all occasions for the U.S. troops to send home to their family and friends. This is sure to be a feel-good craft for children and adults. Call 474-6045 or visit the library’s website for more info.

Nov. 11
The spectacular Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art opens its doors, that is, if all the construction plans went off without a hitch (hopefully so.) Unless you have a pristine invitation or shinny press badge, you most likely are not getting in on opening day. But, thanks to Walmart, when you do get in admission will be free; that kind of makes the wait okay. For those who have gone to a world class museum, you know how spectacular the feeling is. For those who have not gone, it truly is a life changing experience. Seeing fine art will make you see the world in a different way. Be thankful and take advantage of this wonderful gift in our backyard. (And stay tuned to The City Wire for coverage of the opening.)

Nov. 14
7:30 p.m.
There is no pair of shoes women lust over more than the dazzling ruby red slippers of Dorothy. Follow Dorothy and her spectacular shoes as they take an adventurous journey down a yellow brick road. The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Season of Entertainment presents the Wizard of Oz at the Fort Smith Convention Center.  Call 788-7300 or link here for ticket info.

Nov. 17-19
All the women in the Fort Smith area look forward to the Junior League Holiday Market each year. The Holiday Market gets all the best retailers in one spot for you to make that Christmas shopping easy as pie. The Holiday Market will be held at the Fort Smith Convention Center. At the preview party on Nov. 17, attendees can get a sneak peek at the merchant booths before anyone else and be able to take advantage of a special merchant discount and sales during the event. This event includes delicious finger foods, silent and live auction and entertainment by Boom! Kinetic. Tickets for this event are $55 a person or $650 for a table of 10. Girls Night will be Nov. 18, 6 to 10 p.m. with finger foods, drinks and fun for the gals. The fashion show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 a person. Tickets for general shopping are $5 a person. All tickets are available online. They can also be purchased at the ticket booth at the Fort Smith Convention Center on Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Nov. 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.; Nov. 17, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Visit the League’s website for more info.

Nov. 25
4 a.m.
On Black Friday, most retail stores try to draw you in with just a plain ole ad and think that your reward is the three bucks you are saving versus the store next door. Central Mall knows you deserve more of reward than that. Eager shoppers who come early on Black Friday may enter for a chance to win one of several Kindles and other prizes at retailers and Center Court. There will also be free coffee, hot cocoa and cinnamon sticks available in the Center Court area. Smart marketing, Central Mall. Call 452-4706 or visit the mall’s website to get a holiday shopping schedule.

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