Severine Ryan, founder of RYAN FASHION SUPPLIES, is an inspiring designer born in Gabon, Central Africa. Her bold, colorful creations celebrate individuality and cultural heritage, offering a vibrant alternative to societal norms of conformity debuted at the Bentonville Fashion Week. For Ryan, creativity is her therapy—a means to inspire others to embrace their true selves. Her designs are more than fashion; they are expressions of freedom, authenticity, and divine guidance. With every piece, Ryan reminds the world that it’s not only okay to be different—it’s beautiful. Her work boldly encourages everyone to celebrate their uniqueness with confidence. Click Below To Watch Video Click For Runway Gallery Below Proud Sponsors of Bentonville Fashion Week

BFW CEO Rulli Torres, 40/29 News Anchor Lakyra Banks and KUAF DJ Ryan Versey The Bentonville Fashion Week, led by CEO Rulli Torres, hosted a spectacular series of runway shows during their inaugural fundraiser this past weekend, with proceeds benefiting OneCommunity. This impactful organization is dedicated to improving literacy, reading levels for children, and mental health awareness within the community. Avian Alia The event kicked off Friday night with live performances by local musicians Mar Loroña, and a special performance given by singer/rapper Avian Alia. Mar Loroña Design by Rulli Torres On Saturday the show was dedicated to a family from Springdale who had lost their daughter in May. Musician Mar Loroña delivered a heartfelt dedication to honor the family who was in attendance. Saturday evening also featured special co-hosts: 40/29 News anchor Lakyra Banks and KUAF DJ Ryan Versey, adding extra flair to the event. Across the two nights, attendees enjoyed an impressive showcase of 20 runway shows, highlighting a variety of designers and their collections. Looking ahead, Bentonville Fashion Week’s next event is set for November 1st at Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers. Stay tuned over the upcoming week as we share highlights and exclusive designer runway footage from this remarkable event. Highlights From First Night Highlights From Second Night

The Fort Smith International Film Festival & MidAmerica Film Market marks its 5th year, showcasing 160 films from local, regional, national, and international filmmakers. Hosted at the Fort Smith Convention Center and other venues like The Bakery District, Fort Smith Museum of History, Club Kinkead's and Hero’s Bar, the festival celebrates diverse cinematic storytelling. Highlights include a Special pre-event screening of In the Footsteps of Darby on August 6, and Best of the River Valley Red Carpet  Event on Thursday, August 7 (Free). Indigenous films by 17 tribal nations, and free off-site screenings. Tickets range from $10–$50 at FortSmithFilm.com , with early bird discounts available until June 31. This year’s poster by local artist Laura Wattles revealed! See Below... Local designer Laura Wattles returns this year as the poster artist for the festival. Describing her creative process, Wattles said:   “After volunteering design services for last year’s film festival, I was extremely pleased that Brandon gave me the opportunity to design this year’s poster. He gave me a bit of direction—include the optical effect that happens when a film camera is pointed at a television screen, called a video feedback loop. That was my launching point. So, I started with the TV. And for the light of the screen to show up, I felt like a nighttime scene was called for, which determined my color scheme. I decided I wanted to create an illustration and look that gave the feel of indie band posters, since this is an indie film festival. I set the TV in an outdoor scene, on a tree stump, after dark, and added some elements of interest morel mushrooms, a film reel, and a mockingbird (the Arkansas state bird, of course). I hope the illustration, and the festival are huge hits this year!” Don’t miss this cinematic celebration! Proud Sponsors of the Fort Smith International Film Festival

Fashion Designer Kendal Nobrega Kendal Nobrega is an emerging fashion designer and current student whose passion for creativity began at a young age. She debut her collection at the Bentonville Fashion Week Runway event. Her collection is vibrant and personal expression of her individuality, femininity, and bold spirit. Inspired by her colorful childhood, a nostalgic summer in Paris, and her ever-evolving identity, Kendal masterfully combines bold fabrics with timeless silhouettes. Her designs celebrate authenticity and self-expression, weaving nostalgia and modernity into every piece. With a talent for creating expressive, unforgettable looks, Kendal Nobrega is a rising star in fashion, poised to make a lasting impact. Click Below To Watch Video of Runway Kendal Nobrega Runway Gallery Proud Sponsor of Bentonville Fashion Week

Bentonville-based fashion and graphic designer Amanda Hubbard was set to steal the spotlight at Bentonville Fashion Week with her latest collection, "Work With What You've Got." Amanda has refreshed her previous designs with bold updates and paired them with new pieces made from high-visibility floral knit fabric. Inspired by the evolving availability of local fashion resources, the collection celebrates creativity, adaptability, and everyday versatility with stylish town-to-trail daywear. Amanda’s vibrant designs prove that ingenuity and resourcefulness can transform fashion. Click Below To Watch Runway Runway Gallery Below Proud Sponsors of Bentonville Fashion Week

NASCAR fans, buckle up for an exhilarating weekend as the NASCAR Xfinity Series makes its triumphant return to the legendary Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez! This marks a pivotal step in the series’ ambitious global strategy, bringing one of America’s most beloved motorsports to international fans. Situated in the heart of Mexico City, this iconic racetrack promises a roaring showcase of talent and strategy. The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez spans 2.674 miles and boasts an intricate 17-turn layout. Nestled at an impressive altitude of 7,421 feet, it challenges teams and drivers alike with its high-altitude dynamics and technical demands. Known for its illustrious history, the track has hosted premier events such as Formula 1, Formula E, and the NASCAR Xfinity Series races from 2005-2008, making it hallowed ground for motorsport enthusiasts. The demanding layout ensures a thrilling contest of skill, with its sweeping curves, tight corners, and high-speed straights. The altitude adds a layer of complexity—drivers must adapt to thinner air and teams need to tweak engine setups to optimize performance. This unique combination of factors guarantees exhilarating battles for position and explosive drama from green flag to finish line. Don’t miss a moment of the adrenaline-fueled action! Tune in this Saturday, May 14th at 3 PM CDT on The Arkansas CW to witness history as the NASCAR Xfinity Series storms Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Get ready for heart-pounding excitement and a race that’s destined to be unforgettable! Where You Can Watch The Race in NW Arkansas & The River Valley Antenna: 29.2 or 40.2 Cox Cable: 4 or 2004    AT&T U-verse: 30 or 1030     DirecTV: 41     DISH: 21 Where You Can Watch Qualifying  Qualifying & practice for the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez Xfinity Series  will take place over two days. Practice will happen on Friday May 13th starting at 1:00 PM CDT. Qualifying will happen on Saturday 14th at 9:30 AM CDT. Both are available through the CW Streaming app, offering fans a two days of Xfinity Series action. Don’t miss this exciting clash of racing stars at one of NASCAR’s iconic tracks! Race entries listed below for the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez Xfinity Series Entry  Vehicle # Driver Organization 1 00 Sheldon Creed Hass Factory Team 2 1 Carson Kvapil JR Motorsports 3 2 Jesse Love Richard Childress Racing 4 4 Parker Retzlaff Alpha Prime Racing 5 5 Kris Wright Our Motorsports 6 7 Justin Allgaier JR Motorsports 7 07 Alex Labbe SS-Green Light Racing 8 8 Sammy Smith JR Motorsports 9 9 Daniel Suarez (i) JR Motorsports 10 10 Daniel Dye Kaulig Racing 11 11 Josh Williams Kaulig Racing 12 14 Josh Bilicki SS-Green Light Racing 13 16 Christian Eckes Kaulig Racing 14 18 William Sawalich Joe Gibbs Racing 15 19 TY Gibbs (i) Joe Gibbs Racing 16 20 Brandon Jones Joe Gibbs Racing 17 21 Austin Hill Richard Childress Racing 18 24 Christopher Bell (i) Sam Hunt Racing 19 25 Harrison Burton AM Racing 20 26 Dean Thompson Sam Hunt Racing 21 27 Jeb Burton Jordan Anderson Racing 22 28 Kyle Sieg RSS Racing 23 31 Blaine Perkins Jordan Anderson Racing 24 32 Austin Green Jordan Anderson Racing 25 35 Ruben Rovelo Joey Gase Motorsports 26 39 Ryan Sieg RSS Racing 27 41 Sam Mayer Haas Factory Team 28 42 Anthony Alfredo Young's Motorsports 29 44 Brennan Poole Alpha Prime Racing 30 45 Brad Perez Alpha Prime Racing 31 48 Nicholas Sanchez Big Machine Racing 32 51 Jeremy Clements Jeremy Clements Racing 33 53 Sage Karam Joey Gase Motorsports 34 54 Taylor Gray Joe Gibbs Racing 35 70 Thomas Annunziata Cope Family Racing 36 71 Ryan Ellis DGM Racing 37 88 Connor Zilisch JR Motorsports 38 91 Andres Perez De Lara (i) DGM Racing 39 99 Matt DiBenedetto Viking Motorsports

Emerging from the creative grounds of Northwest Arkansas, Fashion Designer Robert Apple is making waves as a student designer with an innovative take on modern style. Specializing in flowing silhouettes and the timeless all-black designs, Apple’s offers a fresh perspective on contemporary fashion. As Robert begins his academic journey this fall at the University of Arkansas in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development, he is poised to refine his craft and push the boundaries of design further. Prepare to see far more of this designer as his luminous career unfolds! Check out his runway below. Click below to play video Designs by Robert Apple Proud Sponsor of Bentonville Fashion Week

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend as Fort Smith Comic Con returns on June 14-15, 2025, at Kay Rodgers Park in Fort Smith, Arkansas. This annual event is a must-attend for fans of comics, anime, pop culture, and all things geeky. Whether you're a seasoned convention-goer or a first-timer, Fort Smith Comic Con promises an action-packed experience for everyone. The 2025 guest lineup includes voice actors Cindy Robinson and Christopher Corey Smith, wrestling legends Dan Severn and Don Frye, and actresses Leilani Shiu, Susanna Malak, and Christina Galey. Fans can meet these stars through panels, autograph sessions, and photo ops. Live entertainment will feature the rock band Kazha, the mesmerizing Cirque La Vie, and thrilling matches from the Impact Wrestling Federation. Explore the vibrant Artist Alley and Exhibit Hall, featuring a diverse array of unique merchandise and collectibles. Cosplay enthusiasts can participate in the cosplay contest, while families can enjoy kid-friendly activities. Location: Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Blvd, Fort Smith, AR 72904 Dates: June 14-15, 2025 Tickets: Available online through the official website. Don't miss out on the excitement! Mark your calendar for June 14-15, 2025, and join the fun at Fort Smith Comic Con. Visit the official website for tickets, schedules, and more information.

Downtown Rogers hosts June Edition of Art on the Bricks Art Walk on June 12th. Welcome summer with an evening filled with vibrant art, live music, unique shopping experiences, and delectable bites at the heart of downtown Rogers, Arkansas. Mark your calendar for this month’s theme: Kaleidoscope of Colors , a celebration that embodies the essence of Pride Month, Juneteenth, and Loving Day. What to Expect: Art & Creativity: Discover and purchase art from regional talents. Live Music & Poetry: Enjoy soul-stirring performances. Local Business Love: Explore boutique shops and pop-up vendors. Delicious Bites & Drinks: Indulge in sweet treats, savory delights, and refreshing beverages. This community-centered event honors identity, freedom, justice, and love in all their vivid forms. ✨ Celebrate Local Creativity ✨ Support Local Businesses ✨ Something for everyone Event Highlights: Open Mic Poetry Night (Baked by Kori) Featuring the art of more than 40 regional artists (Kaleidoscope Collective) Live Music at Pub on the Bricks Art showcases at ANA Gallery , Gelatissimo , Envision Nutrition , and a lot more. 📸 Remember to tag your colorful moments: #ArtOnTheBricks #GoDowntownRogers✨ Its a family-friendly evening that celebrates the vibrant creativity and unity of Northwest Arkansas. Don’t miss this uplifting experience in Downtown Rogers! For more information on the event go here.

Mark your calendars! On Sunday, July 27, the Savannah Bananas are bringing their electrifying “Banana Ball” to Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park, airing live on The CW from 2:00 to 4:30 PM. With a sold-out crowd of over 40,000 fans, this event promises to be a sports spectacle like no other. The Savannah Bananas have redefined baseball with their fast-paced, wildly entertaining style. From choreographed dances and flaming bats to fan participation and unique rules (like a two-hour time limit and fans catching foul balls for outs), Banana Ball is baseball turned into a party. Since their 2016 debut, the Bananas have sold out every game and amassed over 9.8 million TikTok followers, outshining even major sports franchises. Whether you’re in the stands or watching from home, this is more than a game—it’s an unforgettable experience. Tune in on July 27 and join the Banana Ball revolution! Where You Can Watch The CW in NW Arkansas & The River Valley Antenna: 29.2 or 40.2 Cox Cable: 4 or 2004    AT&T U-verse: 30 or 1030     DirecTV: 41     DISH: 21

June 3, 2016, marked a somber day in history as the world bid farewell to Muhammad Ali, a man whose impact transcended the boxing ring. Known as "The Greatest," Ali was more than just a sports icon—he was a symbol of resilience, courage, and unity. Streaming now on Very Local, the documentary " City of Ali "offers a heartfelt tribute to the communities that shaped Muhammad Ali and the extraordinary moment when the world came together to celebrate his life. This inspiring film captures the essence of Ali’s hometown, Louisville, Kentucky, where thousands of mourners gathered to pay their respects. It showcases the outpouring of love and admiration from people of all walks of life, united by the impact of one man’s journey. Click here to download the Very Local app for free!

The Museum of Native American History (MONAH) in Bentonville is wrapping up its spring 2025 Storytime season with a magical event on June 28. The final installment features the enchanting book Bowwow Powwow , written by Brenda Child and illustrated by Jonathan Thunder. This delightful story takes listeners to a whimsical powwow where dogs take center stage, dancing in celebration. Storytime begins at 10 a.m. in the Event Center, located adjacent to the museum at 214 S.W. “O” St. Admission is free, making it a perfect outing for families. A Summer Break and a Fall Return MONAH’s popular Storytime series will return for its fall season on September 27. The fall lineup includes four engaging sessions, each featuring a story and a related craft activity designed for children up to age 8. The crafts, which will be announced monthly, provide a hands-on way for young visitors to connect with the themes of the stories. Fall Storytime Schedule The fall Storytime series promises to be both educational and entertaining, with a diverse selection of books that celebrate Indigenous cultures and traditions. Here’s what’s in store: September 27 : Just Like Grandma by Kim Rogers (Wichita), illustrated by Julie Flett (Cree-Métis). This lyrical picture book tells the story of Becca, who learns valuable lessons from her grandmother while beading moccasins, dancing, and playing basketball. Winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award, this book highlights the bond between generations. October 25 : Don’t Eat Me, Chupacabra by Kyle Sullivan and Derek Sullivan. Set in vibrant Puerto Rico, this humorous tale follows Little Chupacabra, a picky eater with a monstrous appetite for goats. Featuring a digestible Spanish vocabulary and a colorful cast of animal characters, this story is a delightful exploration of compromise. November 29 : Rock Your Mocs by Laurel Goodnight (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian), illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw). This joyful tribute to Rock Your Mocs Day, celebrated annually on November 15, showcases the pride and power of wearing moccasins. It’s a perfect read for Native American Heritage Month and beyond, and it’s an American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award Honor Book. December 27 : Winter’s Gifts by Kaitlin B. Curtice (Potawatomi), illustrated by Gloria Felix (Purepecha). This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of an Indigenous girl who finds wonder in the stillness of winter and learns how gratitude can transform her perspective. It’s a heartwarming tale about the gifts of the season. All Storytime events are free, but parents are encouraged to register in advance at MONAH.org to ensure there are enough craft supplies for everyone. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and admission is always free. For more information about upcoming events, visit MONAH.org/upcoming-events .