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It’s Friday, Fort Smith! Let’s finish this week strong.
In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Enormous thrift stores, AI gun detection at a school, and Bakery District Street Fest + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.
Today’s sponsor (FinanceBuzz) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.
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📰 In the news
New housing trends in Arkansas: In November, Sebastian County’s median home sold for $195,000, up 3.4% from October and 8.3% year over year, while recorded sales fell 18.4% to $28.6 million — see the county and state data.
Unique secondhand adventures await: From a Rogers shop that supports local families to Conway consignments, a list of 10 enormous Arkansas thrift stores includes a Fort Smith standout ripe for all-day treasure hunting — see the full list.
High-tech safety measures adopted: Trinity Catholic School in Fort Smith has adopted ZeroEyes AI gun detection, using cameras to flag weapons and alert staff, who can contact police if needed, says Principal Zach Edwards — read how the system works.
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.
Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.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 all that up – learn more here.
Highlights this week:
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🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?
Together with our sponsor FinanceBuzz
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I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.
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🫶 We got your back
Plant-based without the hassle: When pad Thai cravings hit but fish sauce doesn’t, Tassanee’s Thai Cuisine makes most dishes vegan on request, with tofu swaps, fish sauce-free curries, and crisp veggies, so you get comforting Thai that fits your routine without the mental gymnastics.
Treasure hunt, leveled up: Belle Starr Antiques & Vintage Market fills 9,000 square feet with finds from 70+ vendors, so the hunt is never the same. Wander aisles, discover the odd and the lovely… and let something unexpected land in your hands before someone else claims it.
Brows that stay put: If your mornings need fewer steps and more staying power, Affinity Day Spa and Permanent Cosmetics delivers natural‑looking brows, smudge‑proof eyeliner, and soft lip blushing, plus self‑care extras under one roof. Mornings feel groomed, the pencil stays in the drawer, and the chill starts early.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
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📆 Around town this weekend
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.
🎾 2nd Annual Save a Life Pickleball Tournament @ The Hangout Fitness and Sports | Friday (3/6) at 12:00 PM – Grab your paddle for a pickleball tournament that actually matters. Every serve fuels Harbor House scholarships, trims waitlists in Fort Smith and Hot Springs, and keeps housing, coaching, and aftercare accessible across the region. Win a few rallies, feel like a champ, help save lives.
🖌 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.
🍇 Grape Escapes @ ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – Take your taste buds on a world tour in Fort Smith, no TSA required, and help Bost while you’re at it. Celebrate 25 years with wine and local beer, bites from hometown favorites, and an ArTy Afterparty with art and live music. Tickets are $150.
🌱 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
🥾 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.
🎉 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.
🦌 Westark Chapter Big Game Banquet @ Knights of Columbus | Saturday (3/7) at 5:00 PM – Break out clean boots and head to Knights of Columbus for the Westark Big Game Banquet, elk country’s big night. Think hard-to-find prizes, spirited auctions, and a legit dinner, all while backing habitat and hunting heritage. Seats disappear quicker than elk tags in the lottery.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 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.
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📻 Fort Smith report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 78°F – Low: 59°F – Precip: 65%
A slight chance of rain showers before 9am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Southeast wind 5 to 15 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. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
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Tomorrow – High: 69°F – Low: 48°F – Precip: 50%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny. High near 69, with temperatures falling to around 65 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
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This house is wild
In Cisterna Villa at Chaffee Crossing, this 3-bed, 2-bath gem blends craftsmanship and easy living. Hardwood floors and a flexible office frame a granite kitchen with GE Profile double ovens and a coffee bar. Fireside living opens to a landscaped courtyard with hot tub. A rear-entry garage boasts a 36-foot bay. Updates include a 2022 roof and tankless water heater.
Take a peek inside →
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