Scene by Carson: To-do in December

Editor’s note: Amanda Carson recently graduated from Ole Miss where she wore a cocktail dress and high heels to football games at which tailgating was conducted in a tent adorned with a chandelier. Prior to this she attended a private school in Memphis at which Southern manners and etiquette were stressed — which does not explain her football game decisions. Anyway, Amanda will attempt to infuse her Southern experiences, exposure and education into the arts and entertainment scene in the Fort Smith/Van Buren region.

The holiday hustle and bustle is officially in full swing; parking lots are full, lines are long and attitudes are short. Remember guys, this is supposed to be the season of joy and giving. But if you need a little help stirring up that feeling from deep inside, here are a few activities sure to warm the heart and cheer the soul.

And people, please remember that if someone has their blinker on for a car that is pulling out of a parking spot, they have claim to that spot, so be polite and go find your own. Happy Holiday Y’all and stay classy never trashy!

Dec. 4
3 p.m.
Macy’s Day Parade doesn’t hold a candle to Fort Smith’s Jaycees/Mayor’s Christmas parade along Garrison Ave. Dress in your holiday warmest and come start the season off right with the joy of the holidays. Visit the Fort Smith Jaycees website for more info.

Dec. 4
7:30 p.m.
The Fort Smith Symphony presents Radio Holly-Days, a slightly different symphony show than usual. The symphony will create a live radio show with a holiday feel with guest artists Five by Design. As always the Fort Smith Symphony is sure to impress and awe. Admission is $35 and $30 for adults, $20 and $15 for students and is held at the Fort Smith Convention Center. Visit the symphony website or call 452-7575 for more details.

Dec. 7
7:30 p.m.
Good ole Willie Nelson is coming to the Fort for a concert. Willie fans, this is a chance of a lifetime; who knows how much longer he will tour.  Held at the Fort Smith Convention Center – sorry folks no smoking indoors.  Call 800-965-9324 or visit the convention center website for ticket information.

Dec. 9
8 p.m. to Midnight
Ladies, you thought Black Friday had some deals, well just you wait for the 7th Annual Night of Giving Charity Event held at Central Mall. For just $5 you will receive special store discounts, prize drawings, free gift wrapping and more. Plus ticket proceeds go to benefit local charities. Fashion show starts at 8 p.m. and shopping starts at 9 p.m. Don’t miss it, shopping time is getting slim.

Dec. 10
10 a.m.
If you did not get your fill of shopping in at the mall you might want to hop over to Van Buren to go to For the Girls Holiday Market. Vendors will be at the Pointer Trail Health and Rehabilitation selling makeup, jewelry, Scentsy products and more. There will also be a Malibu Day Spa drawing for those present. Contact Mallory or Mechelle at 474-5276 or visit Pointer Trail Health website.

Dec. 10
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The 2nd Annual Christmas Honors program needs volunteers to fluff and bow wreaths to place at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Assembly will take place at the Phoenix Expo Center, 4600 Towson Ave. Work gloves are suggested if you have sensitive hands. Please visit the Christmas Honors website or call 646-7889 for more information. 

Dec. 11
8:30 a.m.
Families of Service Men and Women may come to the Fort Smith National Cemetery from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. to put a wreath on a family member’s grave. Distribution of the remaining wreaths and open to volunteers is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. There will be a ceremony following placement at 11:00 a.m. and an honorary Flyover at Noon.

Dec. 13
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
View the beautiful site and honor the Service Men and Women of the community at a Candlelight Vigil held at the Fort Smith National Cemetery for Christmas Honors.

Dec. 17
6:30 p.m.
Does your child catch the Polar Express fever every Christmas? If so Alma Public Library Family Story Night is featuring the Polar Express. Kids and adults get to wear their pajamas while enjoying games and snacks. The story reading starts at 6:30 p.m. followed by the movie at 7:30 p.m. And the fun experience is free. Visit the library website or call (479) 632-4140 for more information.

Dec. 31
6:30 p.m.
Looking for an upscale New Year’s Eve experience to ring in the New Year in style? Tinsel and Tails features a delicious dinner, silent and live auctions, a casino, jazz dinner music by Chris Swicegood, dancing to Mr. Cabbage Head and the Screaming Radishes, a New Year’s champagne toast, a 1,000 balloon drop, and a free breakfast buffet to top off the evening, or morning. The event is being help at the Phoenix Expo Center and nearby hotels are offering special room rates for Tinsel and Tails guests.  Tickets are $100 per person with proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association of Western Arkansas. Call 783-2022 or visit the website to get your tickets.

Dec. 31
8 p.m.
If you are looking for a family oriented New Year’s Eve, KISR Ball Drop in Creekmore Park is the place to be. There will be fireworks, music and fun times with refreshments available for purchase, but sorry parents, no alcohol. Don’t forget the blankets, chairs, hot cider and the flask and be sure to dress warm. Admission is free.

Dec. 31
8:30 p.m.
If Tinsel and Tails is a bit out of your price range, try partying at the Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Party. Admission and refreshments are free and music will be by the Nearly Famous Dance Band. The party takes place at the Fort Smith Convention Center.

Feedback
Even though she graduated from Ole Miss, Amanda is comfortable using e-mail. You can reach her at [email protected]