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Hello Fort Smith! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. 

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Green tomato relish hype, MudBug Mayhem crawfish festival, and Bakery District street fest + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

A side that steals spotlight: A low key seafood spot in Alma is known for green tomato relish that nails tart, sweet, and crunch, boosting farm raised catfish with generous refills — get all the details.

Growth-focused banking strategy: Fort Smith’s First Bank Corp and Russellville’s First State Bank seek approval to merge. CEO says branches should stay open, some repurposed, with closing possible later this month or April — see what changes are expected.

Cultural institutions get a boost: Fort Smith’s ArcBest donated $500,000 to the U.S. Marshals Museum and $250,000 to the planned Fort Kids museum downtown, honoring Chair Judy McReynolds after she stepped down as CEO — read the full story.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Join a free Run/Walk clinic
• Craft your own moss wall art
• Experience women’s poetry across centuries
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Unwind over tapas: When the week drags, Uncork’d serves shareable, chef-made tapas with a sprawling wine wall and craft beers. A cozy patio and a discreet cigar room make an ordinary Tuesday feel planned, relaxed, and a little indulgent.

Trail-ready refresh: Locally owned and family-run since 1985, The Woodsman Company outfits Fort Smith for fly fishing, kayaking, backpacking, and more, with footwear and layers from brands you actually like. Friendly folks help you dial in gear fast, so getting outside this week feels easy.

Where to watch in style: Cushy recliners, a giant MXT screen with laser projection and Atmos sound, plus in-seat food ordering make Malco Fort Smith Cinema feel like a true event. Ideal for a midweek pick‑me‑up or long‑overdue date, it turns movie night into something you’ll actually plan.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Fun for the whole fam

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🖌 Mug Painting @ Alma Public Library | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – Weather tried to cancel our creativity, but the mug painting craft is back on. Come sip, chat, and turn a plain cup into your new favorite morning companion, the one that silently judges your reheated coffee. Low stakes, high charm.

🌱 Plant Bingo @ Potted Plants | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – Plant Bingo is back, with a second night added. Twenty-five games, $25 entry, extra cards if you’re feeling lucky, light snacks, and everyone leaves with a plant, the kind of party favor my windowsill appreciates. Book at the official link, skip the scammers: https://square.link/u/DtrDBYlR

🥞 Lions Club Pancake Breakfast @ Trinity Baptist Church | Saturday (3/7) at 6:30 AM – Skip the sad cereal and hit the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, town’s favorite excuse to eat your weight in flapjacks, maple syrup, and coffee. Expect long tables, familiar faces, and proceeds that actually stay local.

🥾 Butterfield Trail MBU @ University of Arkansas | Saturday (3/7) at 8:00 AM – The Butterfield Trail District is hosting Merit Badge University, a full day of hands-on classes, seasoned counselors, and progress on Eagle-required boxes. Open to Scouts from all councils, meaning your kid levels up, you snag a quiet day, and someone learns knots that hold.

🦞 MudBug Mayhem Crawfish Festival @ Mudbug Mayhem | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Bring your appetite for a full-on mudbug throwdown. Crawfish cookoff, car and truck show, Cajun cornhole, live bands, and a family zone that actually entertains. Equal parts tail peeling, tire polishing, and two-stepping, with vendors, contests, and bragging rights.

🎉 Bakery District Street Fest @ The Bakery District | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – Lace up and head to the 3rd annual Bakery District fest for local vendors, great food trucks, and all-day tunes capped by Covington Creek. Start with the Kegs & Legs 5K, then test mettle at stein holding, and ego at the adult spelling bee.

🍎 Roots & Roofs: Intro to Berry Bushes & Fruit Trees @ C. King Tropicals and More | Wednesday (3/11) at 4:00 PM – Trade doomscrolling for dirt under your nails at a free workshop on berry bushes and fruit trees, because berries are not getting cheaper. Learn to choose, grow, prune, and harvest, make three DIY garden markers, and, since spots are limited, register at bit.ly/RootsAndRoofs5.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Fort Smith report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 74°F – Low: 59°F – Precip: 73%

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9am, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Cloudy, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

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Tomorrow – High: 74°F – Low: 62°F – Precip: 68%

Showers and thunderstorms likely before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This beautifully maintained 3-bed, 2.5-bath on .91 acres delivers privacy and space. Two living areas each feature custom gas fireplaces and sunlit flow. The eat-in kitchen boasts newer appliances. The primary suite offers a jetted tub and storm safe-room closet. An oversized 3-car garage with a third-bay stairway to a floored attic boosts storage. The landscaped backyard is an oasis.

Take a peek inside →