Fort Smith is the Place To Be this weekend!

This statue was in the making for a long time! But, the great news is…after several years of raising awareness for the cause and fundraising, the Bass Reeves Legacy Initiative will officially dedicate the statue of the famous lawman on Saturday, May 26, at Pendergraft Park in downtown Fort Smith. As the only equestrian statue in Arkansas, the larger than life Marshal Reeves will greet visitors entering the city from the west.

As visitors cross the Arkansas River from Oklahoma and enter downtown Fort Smith, the magnificent stature will be first sight to see in our city of rich western history.

A week of special events are planned beginning with the “Artistic Grit” Art Exhibition opening on Friday, May 18 featuring both paintings and sculpture by artist Harold T. Holden. The one week exhibition in the rotunda of the Convention Center will be open through May 25 during regular Convention Center hours.

 

There is a plethora of events planned for the weekend ahead and I’m sure that’s what you are waiting to read so…here is a quick rundown of the next few days:

 

Thursday, May 24th:

Meet the Artist & Welcome Party – Harold Holden 5-7 p.m.

At the Museum of History in Fort Smith.

Live Music Open to the Public – $10 per person

 

Friday, May 25th:

Thank You Awards Gala The Movie Lounge 6 p.m.

 

Saturday, May 26th:

Dedication Day Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and continue till 5 p.m. Unveiling Dedication begins 10:30 at Pendergraft Park Grounds

Other Sites with events planned during the day:

Fort Smith National Historic Site

Fort Smith Museum of History

The Clayton House

The Park at West End

 

Sunday, May 27th:

Clayton House Conversations “The Badge and the Boots” 2 p.m. Fort Smith Library Community Room Bass Reeves : From Hero to Icon 3:30 p.m.

 

Of course, this is the quick version of the events going on this weekend in the Fort.

If you would like a more detailed list of what, when, and where…please visit our website and view the Bass Reeves Events Guide PDF at: http://fortsmith.org/media/news-releases.aspx

 

Sneak Peak at the Bass Reeves Monument

 

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Fort Smith welcomes John and Carol Aebi – Selected as the Tourists of the Week!

Just who are John and Carol Aebi? Well…they happen to be honorary Deputy Marshals now!

Congratulations John and Carol Aebi! The lucky couple was selected as the Tourists of the Week at the National Tourism Week celebration at the Arkansas Welcome Center on I-40. John and Carol made the long journey from Lafayette, Indiana to Arkansas to scout out a perfect location for an upcoming family get together…and Arkansas has just what they are looking for.

Sandy Sanders, Mayor of Fort Smith, and Van Buren Mayor, Bob Freeman, read an official proclamation announcing this week as Tourism Week. The Fort Smith and Van Buren Advertising & Promotion Commissions hosted the celebration. John and Carol were made honorary Deputy Marshals and presented a special gift basket full of items from the Fort Smith and Van Buren area.

Welcome to Arkansas John and Carol, and thank you for visiting! We hope you love our great state and have many return visits!

Visit http://www.fortsmith.org to plan your next vacation destination.

 

 

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