Region to celebrate Apron Strings opening, Night in Margaritaville and more

The Fort Smith region is gearing up for a busy few weeks that will offer  something fun for everyone. Events will include the debut of the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum's newest exhibit, "Apron Strings-Ties to the Past," the Girls Shelter's Polar Bear Walk, Oh WATA Night in Margaritaville, Burns Nights, and "The Community Strikes Back" Bowling Tournament.

RAM Opening Reception, "Apron Strings-Ties to the Past"
The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM) will kick off the year with the debut of its newest exhibit, "Apron Strings-Ties to the Past," with an opening reception on Jan. 29.
Featuring 51 vintage and contemporary aprons, the exhibit will showcase the "apron’s role as an emotionally charged vehicle for expression with a rich and varied craft history that is still viable today." Pieces date back as early as the 1930s.

Guests will have the chance to enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres opening night, while browsing RAM's newest collection. The reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m.

Admission to reception is free for RAM members and $5 for non-members. "Apron Strings" will remain on exhibit through March 22. For more information, call 784-2787.

Polar Bear Walk
The Girls Shelter in Fort Smith invites the community to brave the cold and take a stroll at its annual Polar Bear Walk on Jan. 31.

Hosted at Ben Geren Park in Fort Smith, the event will include a two-mile family fun walk around the park. The Polar Bear Walk will begin at 10 a.m. Cost is $15 for adults and $10 for youth ages 12 and under. Groups including corporate and office teams are encouraged to participate. Registration will be available onsite the morning of the event.

Proceeds from the walk benefit The Girls Shelter, which serves as a one-year residential facility for females ages 12-18 who have been court ordered from their homes. The shelter's goal is "to provide a safe, structured homelike atmosphere while encouraging behavior modification," with the hope of reintegrating clients back with their families.

For more information, call 646-0444.

Oh WATA Night in Margaritaville
In the spirit of all things Jimmy Buffett, the Western Arkansas Tennis Association will host its annual "Oh WATA Night" in Margaritaville on Jan. 31.

Doors will open at Fianna Hills Country Club at 6:30 p.m. The island themed event will feature dinner, cocktails, auctions and entertainment by Jimmy Buffet and the Son of a Sailor Band, as well as Christopher Key Cash.

Tickets are $50 in advance or $55 at the door. Tables for eight can be reserved for $375. All proceeds from the event benefit the Western Arkansas Tennis Association, which promotes local tennis in conjunction with the Arkansas, Southern, and U.S. Tennis Associations. For more information, call 782-5333.

Burns Night
The Fort Smith Firefighters Foundation will present "Burns Night," a fundraiser for the Fort Smith Firefighters Pipe and Drum Corps, on Jan. 31.

Held at Adelaide Hall above Bricktown Brewery in Fort Smith, the evening will feature live Celtic music and authentic Scottish cuisine. Burns Night will get underway with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., which will include single malt scotch tasting, Scottish Ale and music by Cold Water Dog.

Piping of the Haggis will begin at 7 p.m. with performances by the Fort Smith Firefighters Pipe and Drum Corps and a traditional Burns Dinner Feast. The evening will cap off with a live performance from Scotland Rising and Cold Water Dog.

Individual tickets are $25, with tables for six available for $135. Tickets may be purchased at Bricktown Brewery or from any member of the Fort Smith Firefighters Pipe and Drum Corps. For more information, call 434-2379.

The Community Strikes Back
"The Community Strikes Back" again this year, as the Children's Emergency Shelter in Fort Smith hosts it second annual bowling tournament on Feb. 7. Presented by CES and the Commissary Kiwanis Club, the event is aimed at striking out child abuse and neglect.

The tournament will be held at Bowling World in Fort Smith. Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m., with play to follow at 1 p.m. Cost is $120 per four-person team, which includes three games, shoe rental and  t-shirts. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place. Space is limited to the first 30 teams. Deadline to register is Jan. 23.

All proceeds benefit the Children's Emergency Shelter. For more information, call 651-4305.