‘An Evening at the Gallery’ and Day of Caring fill early April calendar

The coming weeks will feature opportunities to run for a cause, sample fine wines, volunteer, enjoy great music. Events will include Miles for Mutts, "An Evening at the Gallery," United Way of Fort Smith Area's annual Day of Caring, a presentation of "Simple Gifts" by the Fort Smith Chorale, and a celebration of "The Nat King Cole Songbook" by the Fort Smith Symphony.

Miles for Mutts 5K-The Purrfect Race
The Sebastian County Humane Society will host the Miles for Mutts 5K at Riverfront Amphitheatre in Fort Smith on April 11. "The Purrfect Race" will include a 5K and walk for participants of all ages.

Entry fee is $25 for individuals and $50 for families, with a limit of three participants. The first 350 registered participants will receive a t-shirt. Early check in will be held on Friday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sweetbay located next to Creekmore Park. Race day check-in will begin at 6 a.m., with the race starting at 8 a.m.

Awards will be given to the first, second and third-place finishers in the male and female age divisions. For more information, call 783-4395.

An Evening at the Gallery
The Poteau Rotary Club invites guests to enjoy "An Evening at the Gallery" on April 11. The theme of  third annual Poteau Arts & Wine Festival, "Evening" will offer guests the chance to sample wines from seven Oklahoma wineries, while also enjoying gourmet food, local art, and live music.

The festival will feature an array of wines from state-based wineries and delectable dishes from regional eateries. Throughout the festival, a number of local musicians will perform including Felisha McKenzie, Michael Martin & Aaron Emberton, the Al Grzech Jazz Trio, and classical pianist Lynn Roberts. Nearly a dozen regional artisans will also have works on display for guests to browse and purchase.

In addition to the food, wine, and arts, a silent auction will also be held. Guests will each receive a commemorative wine glass and a six-bottle reusable wine tote.

The festival will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center in Poteau. Individual tickets are $20 and can be purchased online. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. All proceeds benefit Rotary community service projects.

United Way Day of Caring
More than 800 volunteers will donate their time and skills on April 14 for United Way's annual Day of Caring. Dozens of United Way Partner Agencies and area community centers will benefit as United Way supporters give their time painting walls, interacting with clients, organizing offices, and much more.

The morning will kick-off with a welcome/thank you breakfast at Golden Corral at  8 a.m., before volunteers disperse to their respective locations. The event features employees and executives from companies all over the six-county region working hard at the more than 30 UW agencies and other non-profit organizations.

Volunteers are still needed for various projects. A list of service opportunities is available online. For more information, call 782-1311.

Fort Smith Chorale presents "Simple Gifts"
The Fort Smith Chorale will present its annual spring concert "Simple Gifts" on April 16. The evening will include performances of American folk songs, hymns, spirituals and patriotic tunes. Selections will include "The Morning Trumpet", "How Can I Keep From Singing", "Hark I Hear The Harps Eternal", " The Battle Hymn",  "Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing", and more.

The concert will be held at First Baptist Church of Fort Smith, located at 1400 Grand Ave. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online. Full-time students are admitted free by showing a current school ID. For more information, call 242-SING.

Fort Smith Symphony presents "The Nat King Cole Songbook"
The Fort Smith Symphony will present "The Nat King Cole Songbook" on April 18. The unique concert will feature one of Canada's most popular jazz vocalists, Denzal Sinclaire, as the symphony celebrates the musical legacy of one of the America's most beloved voices of all times.

The evening will begin with a classic, Bernstein and Gershwin’s epic, "An American in Paris." Other featured tunes will include "Route 66," "Smile," "Always on My Mind," and "I’ve Got the World on a String."

The concert will be held at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Individual tickets range from $15-20 for students and $35-40 adults. To order tickets, contact the Symphony at 452-7575.