A&E Advisory for June 29-July 5: Leave fireworks for pros

FORT SMITH — To be so rude as to miss the Fort Smith Mayor’s Fourth of July celebration and fireworks display would be, well, un-American.

Besides, it’s on the city — admission is free.

Activities start at Harry E. Kelley Stage and Riverpark at noon, with fireworks starting after sundown, so there’s plenty of time to stake your place. Music gets under way at 7 p.m., beginning with Blue Fiddle, The River Valley Community Band and Mr. Cabbage Head and the Screaming Radishes.

Concessions are run by the Fort Smith Citizens Academy Alumni. Don’t worry about having to walk too far — transit buses begin at 6 p.m. and will run along Garrison and Rogers avenues and A and B streets.

On your way, stop in at the Arkansas Valley Mustang Club open car show at the Pavilion, 100 N. B St.  The show runs from noon until 5 p.m. with awards at 5 p.m. The Park at West End will be open; families are encouraged to ride the ferris wheel for just $1.

Additional information is available at (479) 784-1001 or online here.

June 30
Defies classification: Creepers galore
MOUNTAINBURG — We’re glad this one’s in the daytime.

The funny folks at Lake Fort Smith State Park are hosting a free come-and-look event from 12:30-1 p.m. called Rodent Invasion.

An interpreter at the visitors center will explore the characteristics that make rodents (they call ‘em critters) unique. The program is only a half-hour so there must not be that many rodents to at the park — or at least that many that they’ll admit to.

If discussion of rodents isn’t creepy enough, stick around for nightfall, for Slithering Heights Escapades. Apparently, snakes roam the park in great numbers at night, looking for food, warmth and shelter.

Sick, but interested parties should meet behind the visitor center for an hour and a half-long hike to hunt for snakes. Closed-toe shoes, bug spray and a headlamp or flashlight are musts.

Just one last word on this: Ewwww!

Information on both events can be had by calling (479)369-2469 or clicking here.

June 30
Impact: End of shoe drive
FORT SMITH — Saturday (June 30) is the last day for a month-long shoe drive sponsored by The Girl Next Door, 415 Lexington Ave. Proceeds benefit the Crisis Intervention Center.

Sneakers, slings, mules, flats, clogs, loafers and any other type of shoe you have but don’t wear anymore should be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Crisis Intervention Center to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. For more, call (479) or click on here.

July 2
Art: Works of art therapy
VAN BUREN — Students in the Arc for the River Valley’s art therapy class will be exhibiting their art work July 2-27  at the Center for Art and Education, 104 N. 13th St. in Van Buren. The Arc provides advocacy, education, and recreation for those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Fort Smith metro area.

Art therapy is an outlet for those with disabilities to express their emotions and feelings. It’s also a way for them to improve eye-hand coordination. This class has been working on two- and three- dimensional art projects to exhibit for over 6 months. A reception is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. July 6.

July 4
Running: Freedom Fest 5K
GREENWOOD — To work up an appetite for all the barbecue, burgers, potato salad and beverages you plan to consume on Independence Day, get out early for the 32nd annual Greenwood Chamber of Commerce’s Freedom Fest 5K.

When we say early, we mean 6:30 a.m. for registration at the Means Wilkinson Community Center, with the race to follow at 7:30 a.m.
 
Commemorative T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 300 pre-registered runners. No runners will be registered after 7:20 a.m. Cost is $20 for those who pre-register and $30 the day of the race.

It’s pretty cut and dried — and sure to be as hot as hades — but if you need more information, call (479) 996-6357 or go here.