Region to enjoy ‘Big Bucks’ and ‘Kickin’ Up the Dust’

The coming weeks will feature an array of special events including the annual Big Bucks Dinner, the U.S. Marshal Museum's inaugural "Kickin' Up the Dust" Gala, the Miss UAFS Scholarship Pageant, and the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year Banquet featuring Razorback Football Coach Bret Bielema.

Big Bucks Dinner
Someone will walk away with "Big Bucks" on March 10 as GFWC-Women's League of Van Buren hosts its annual Big Bucks Dinner and Auction.

Held at the Van Buren Public Library, the evening will include a delicious steak dinner and dessert and a unique drawing for the chance to win $5,000. Numbers will be drawn all throughout the evening until three numbers remain. The two runners-up will walk away with small cash prizes, with the grand prize winner taking home $5,000.

A large silent auction will also be held featuring an assortment of home decor items, gift certificates, customized accessories, and more. Dinner and auction will start at 6 p.m. Tickets are $100 and include dinner and admission for two. No tickets will be sold at the door. All proceeds benefit Women's League of Van Buren which  is "dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service."

Kickin' Up the Dust
Guests will be "Kickin' Up the Dust" on March 14, as the U.S. Marshals Museum hosts its inaugural Stampede Fundraising Gala. Held at the Expo Center at Kay Rodgers Park in Fort Smith, the evening will offer everything from delicious food and drinks to live music, gaming and more.

The gala kick off with a VIP reception at 6 p.m. Doors for the main event will open at 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy an Old West inspired menu, complete with open bar, Kickin' Up cocktails, and dessert. Gala-goers will be able to try their luck in the casino and raffle games, which will offer premier prizes. Silent and live auctions will also be held, featuring exquisite jewelry, a one-of-a-kind specially commissioned 225th Anniversary Commemorative Henry 45 caliber Rifle, and more.

Live entertainment will be provided by the groups "Chris & Lolly," "The Crumbs," and Grammy award-winning artist, "Asleep at the Wheel." Twilight ticket holders will gain access at 9 p.m. A dessert bar will serve up delicious treats and drinks, while guests make their way to the dance floor.

Individual tickets for the full event are $200. Twilight tickets. can be purchased for  $100. All proceeds support the U.S. Marshal Museum  campaign. For more information, call 709-3766.

UAFS Scholarship Pageant
A new winner will be crowned on March 14 as the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith presents its annual  Miss UAFS Scholarship Pageant. The contest is a preliminary to the Miss Arkansas Pageant, which will take place in July in Hot Springs. Contestants will compete in five events including evening gown, interview, physical fitness and swimsuit, talent, and on-stage question and answer. Scholarships will be awarded to Miss UAFS, runners-up, and other category winners.

This year's event will also feature a Princess/Prince Program, a non-competitive program allowing girls and boys ages 5-10 to participate in pageant-related events.

The pageant will be held at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center in Fort Smith. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the program to follow at 7 p.m. Admission is free and on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, all guests must have a ticket, which can be obtained at the UAFS Box Office. For more information, call 788-7300.

Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Banquet
Razorback Football Coach Bret Bielema will be the featured guest speaker at the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club's Youth of the Year Banquet on March 18. The evening will include dinner and a program honoring the unit Youth of the Year candidates, as well as special volunteer award presentations. A silent auction will also be held.

The banquet will be held at the Evans Boys & Girls Club, located at 6015 Boys Club Lane, beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 and must be purchased in advance.

All proceeds support the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs. For more information, call 782-7093.