Cupid and Casablanca on the event schedule in the Fort Smith area

Cupid, a few hundred runners, and Casablanca enthusiasts will descend on the Fort Smith region in the coming weeks. The area will host the first-ever Fort Smith Marathon, Empty Bowls, Mardi Gras-The Best Party in Town, RAM's "Rendevous in Casablanca" gala, and The Hopeful Heart Dinner & Dance.

Fort Smith Marathon
Runners will demonstrate their "True Grit" at the inaugural Fort Smith Marathon on Feb. 8.

More than 800 runners will take part in the city's largest ever race, which include a marathon, half-marathon, and relay event. Races will begin at 9 a.m. in downtown Fort Smith. Parking will be available at the West End Parking Lot and other designated lots throughout the area.

Packet pick-up will be held on Friday and Saturday, as well as before the race on Sunday from 7 to 8:30 a.m. A non-denominational worship service will also take place on Saturday evening from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church.

Registration can be completed online and must be done in advance. No race-day registrations will be allowed. Individual entry fees range from $40 to $80. Registration includes a long sleeve cotton t-shirt with event logo, timing chip/bib and participant packet.

Proceeds from the Fort Smith Marathon will benefit Park Partners in their work to expand the Fort Smith Trail System. For more information, email [email protected]

Empty Bowls
Diners can enjoy a delicious meal and take home a one-of-a-kind dish at the sixth annual "Empty Bowls" on Feb. 12. Hosted by the Van Buren High School Art Club and FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America), the event serves as a fundraiser for the Community Services Clearinghouse's "Meals for Kids" program.

Guests will pick out a handmade ceramic bowl made by VBHS students and partake in a dinner of soup and bread with other community members. The bowl will then be washed and taken home as a reminder of the "empty bowls" in the community and the world.

Empty Bowls will be held in the Van Buren High School Commons Area from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is $15. Tickets can be purchased at Van Buren High School or at the Community Services Clearinghouse in Fort Smith. For more information, call 474-6821.

Mardi Gras – The Best Party in Town
Mardi Gras season is near, and the Fort Smith Museum of History is throwing the "The Best Party in Town" to celebrate.

The Mardi Gras fundraiser will be  held on Feb. 13. at the Immaculate Conception Church Parish Hall in Fort Smith. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., with live music by the Don Bailey Jazz Combo. It will be followed by an authentic Cajun cuisine dinner at 7 p.m.

The live auction will get underway at 8 p.m. and will include a number of high-end party, trip and other packages. Guests will enjoy music and dancing to the tunes of Tom Ware, Gary Hutchison & Friends.

Tickets are $75, with tables for ten ranging from $750 to $850. Premium tables include an authentic King Cake baked by museum curator, Connie Manning. Seating is limited. For more information, contact the museum at 783-7841.

Rendezvous in Casablanca
Set to the theme of one of cinema's most beloved films, the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum will present its third annual gala on Feb. 14. "Rendezvous in Casablanca" will feature lots of intrigue and romance, delectable appetizers and dinner, tasty desserts, and an open bar. Guests will also enjoy live music, raffle drawings and lots of fun surprises.

The gala will be held at RAM from 7 to 10 p.m.  In honor of the theme, guests are encouraged to wear Moroccan chic, dress in black and white with a touch of red, or come as a character from their favorite film.

Tickets are $75 for RAM members and $100 for non-members. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. Gala proceeds support the museum’s diverse exhibitions and educational programming. For more information, call 784-2787.

The Hopeful Heart Dinner & Dance
Van Buren's Hope Academy invites couples to enjoy a romantic Valentine's evening while supporting local youth with its inaugural fundraiser, "The Hopeful Heart Dinner & Dance" on Feb. 14.

The Valentine's Day will be a semi-formal affair that includes dinner, dancing, a silent auction, prize drawings, and more. Musical guests N Bye 10 will also perform.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., with dinner to follow at 6:45 p.m. The dinner and dance will be held at the Van Buren CC Emergency Center, located by Summit Medical Center. Individual tickets are $40, or $75 per couple. All proceeds benefit Hope Academy, an afterschool program for high school students who want to make a positive change in their lives. For more information, call 719-9465.