Tourism / Heritage

FCRA again rejects request to donate golf course to City of Fort Smith

The Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority (FCRA) will not donate Deer Trails Golf Course to the City of Fort Smith because they fear the golf course will be sold and used…

National Cold War Center to host ‘Cold War Party’

The National Cold War Center (NCWC) will host its first annual Cold War Party on November 4. Previously called The National Cold War Center Gala, the Cold War Party is…

Arkansas Attorney General provides $250,000 grant to U.S. Marshals Museum

The Arkansas Attorney General’s office has committed to a $250,000 grant to the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, the USMM Foundation announced Tuesday (Sept. 19). The money brings the…

Gov. Sanders: Doubling tourism industry, growing jobs are top goals

Speaking to hospitality leaders from across the state, Gov. Sarah Sanders reiterated her goal of doubling the state’s tourism industry over the next decade. Sanders spoke to the Arkansas Hospitality…

Arkansas Tourism Ticker: Job numbers rise, 2% tourism tax sets new record

Arkansas’ tourism industry continues to show robust gains in the first half of 2023 even when compared to a record-setting 2022. The sector posted record employment of 131,800 in May,…

‘Beatles at the Ridge’ festival slated for Saturday in Walnut Ridge

One of Northeast Arkansas’ iconic festivals, Beatles at the Ridge, is slated for Saturday (Sept. 16) in Walnut Ridge. Live music, food and vendors, children’s attractions, a car show, and…

Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame adds four

The Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie announced Tuesday (Sept. 12) four inductees into this year’s Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame. An induction ceremony will honor these individuals on May…

Whitewater park near Siloam Springs opens this weekend

The city of Siloam Springs and Oklahoma-based utility Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) have announced the anticipated opening of WOKA Whitewater Park this weekend. Operating hours are noon to 8…

Outdoor rec startups thrive at UA’s GORP business incubator

Phil Shellhammer wants to develop a statewide hub of outdoor recreation companies. The entrepreneur and former retail executive is focused on that goal as the leader of the Greenhouse Outdoor…

Amazeum receives $2 million from Walmart, its foundation

The Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville will use $2 million in grants from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation for an exhibit update and an exterior area expansion. The hands-on, interactive…

New PGA Tour Champions event coming to Little Rock’s Pleasant Valley Country Club

Simmons Bank leaders, PGA officials and other dignitaries announced Thursday (Aug. 31) that a new professional golf tournament will be played at Little Rock’s Pleasant Valley Country Club starting in…

Ashleigh Bachert hired as Fort Smith tourism director

Ashleigh Bachert of Tulsa was named the new executive director of Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), according to the Fort Smith Advertising & Promotion Commission, which oversees CVB…

Arkansas Graveler bike tour to showcase northern Arkansas

Arkansas tourism officials and Gov. Sarah Sanders announced Thursday (Aug. 24) a new in-state bike tour event to be called the Arkansas Graveler. The six-day, 300-plus mile bike journey across…

Interviews begin for Fort Smith A&P director job

The search for a new director of the Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) entered its final stages Thursday (Aug. 24) when three final candidates for the position have…

TheatreSquared promotes Shannon Jones to executive director

Fayetteville performing arts venue TheatreSquared (T2) announced Thursday (Aug. 24) the appointment of Shannon Jones to executive director. She is replacing longtime executive director/producer Martin Miller, who will depart in September to become the executive director…