Power of the Purse, Pops on Broadway, and Taste of Fort Smith fill calendar

In addition to a change of natural color, October will close out with a busy few weeks of events including United Way's Power of the Purse, a "Pops on Broadway" concert by the Fort Smith Symphony, Taste of Fort Smith and more.

Power of the Purse
Power of the Purse turns ten this year and United Way of Fort Smith Area will celebrate by bringing back one of the event's most beloved speakers for its annual luncheon and auction on Oct. 23.

Famed Southern author Ronda Rich will return as the special guest speaker this year. Known for books such as "What Southern Women Know (That Every Woman Should)," and "The Town That Came A-Courtin’," Rich delights with her own brand of humor that includes stories from her days as a NASCAR reporter and publicist.

Forty wallets, designer handbags and theme packages will be featured in the purse silent auction. Guests will also be able to purchase mystery box tickets for the chance to win a  package valued at more than $350. Tickets are $2 each or six for $10.

The luncheon will be held at the Movie Lounge EpiCenter in Fort Smith from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Individual tickets are $40. Proceeds from Power of the Purse benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides books, at no cost, to children ages five and under. The early childhood literacy initiative is funded locally by United Way. To reserve a seat or for more information, call 782-1311.

Fort Smith Symphony presents "Pops on Broadway"
The sounds of Broadway will come to town as the Fort Smith Symphony presents its "Pops on Broadway" concert on Oct. 25.

Under the direction of conductor John Jeter, the orchestra will perform a combination of classical Tchaikovsky and Bordoin, as well as tunes from Broadway shows including Chicago, Jersey Boys, My Fair Lady, Cats, Phantom of the Opera, La Cage aux Folles and Spamalot. Members of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Chorale and guest vocalists will also perform.

The performance will be held at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center in Fort Smith beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $15-$40 and available online. For more information, call 452-7575.

Haunted Union
Families are invited to enjoy a night of trunk-or-treating and spooky fun as the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith hosts its annual Haunted Union event on Oct. 25.

The carnival-style family event will be held at the Smith-Pendergraft Student Center on the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith campus.  More than 20 student organizations will  decorate their cars with Halloween themes and pass out candy to kids in attendance.

Haunted Union will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. For more information, call 788-7697.

Clayton Conversations
The Clayton House will welcome the man responsible for helping oversee its complete renovation nearly 40 years ago at its Clayton Conversations event on Oct. 26.

Entitled 'Down to the Hand-Forged Square Nails: The Clayton House Restoration by Architect John Mott," the presentation will include details and photos from the seven-year project that helped make The Clayton House the first building in Fort Smith to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The presentation will be held at the Clayton House, located at 514 N. Sixth Street in Fort Smith. Music and refreshments will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by the program at 2 p.m. Guests are encouraged to make a $5 donation. Seating is limited and reservations are strongly suggested. To RSVP, call 783-3000.

Taste of Fort Smith
Visitors should come hungry to the 27th annual Taste of Fort Smith on Oct. 28. Ticket holders will have the chance to fill their plates with delicious dishes, desserts and drinks from more than 50 participating restaurants and vendors.

Two sessions will be offered, with lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Both will be held at the Fort Smith Convention Center.

Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door and are good for either session. Advanced tickets can be purchased at any Simmons First National Bank location or at the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsored by Altrusa International, proceeds from the event benefit area non-profits including Literacy Council of Western Arkansas, Crawford County Volunteers for Literacy, the Fort Smith Public Library, Donald W. Reynolds Crisis Intervention Center, Sebastian County Humane Society and Project Compassion. For more information, call Barbara Oswald at 629-8852.