The 5th Annual Fort Smith International Film Festival has shattered records, drawing 597 submissions from over 70 countries, nations, and tribes. This milestone solidifies Fort Smith’s status as a global hub for filmmakers. Every film submitted is watched by at least three different reviewers, amounting to nearly 2,000 individual screenings . "Our team of screeners this year have gone above and beyond,” shared Operations Director Tori Buie. “Their dedication is breathtaking." Screeners like Melissa Woodall express excitement for the process. “I love screening the movies,” she said. “It’s always a surprise, always something fresh and new.” Another screener, Ron Nichols, added, “Screening is fun and offers a sneak peek into upcoming talent.” Dr. Brandon Chase Goldsmith The process of selecting the official festival lineup is now underway. “Each year the festival builds itself,” said Dr. Brandon Chase Goldsmith , Executive Director. “Categories emerge in reaction to what filmmakers are sharing with us. This year, we’ve seen films in indigenous languages with subtitles, and works that highlight accessibility—both in content and for viewers.” This year’s selections will be unveiled on May 31, and tickets go on sale June 5th. The festival will run August 7–10, emphasizing its mission to showcase diverse voices through the art of film. PROUD SPONSORS OF THE FORT SMITH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The Oklahoma Renaissance Festival is buzzing with excitement as it wrapped up its second weekend last Sunday! Last weekend was all about romance, and we were thrilled to visit the Castle of Muskogee. If you were unable to make it out last weekend, don't worry, the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival has four more fun-filled weekends left this season. Pirates Weekend / May 10-11 The Spanish Armada arrives in Castleton, bringing with it a wave of excitement as the port opens to all pirates! Her Majesty has extended her hospitality to Spanish King Phillip, but with his strong Catholic foundation, tensions may run high. Join us this weekend to see how this intriguing chapter of history unfolds in a celebration full of adventure and surprises! Celtic Weekend / May 17-18 This weekend, we proudly welcome Mary, Queen of Scots, in a lively celebration of our cherished Scottish heritage. Prepare for a rowdy and activity-packed experience as Celtic festivities take center stage! Don your clan colors, press your kilts, and join us for a weekend filled with Scottish charm and excitement! Imperial Weekend / May 24-25 Guten Tag! Raise your steins as we welcome His Imperial Majesty Charles II and celebrate the heroes among us. This weekend includes a highlight of the festival—Monday’s Memorial Day Parade, a touching tribute to honor those who have fallen. Join us for this heartfelt day of remembrance, a moving tradition that celebrates our soldiers and their sacrifices. Spice Roads Weekend / May 31 & June 1st Emperor Sarsa Dengel has unveiled the Spice Roads, forging a vital trade connection between East and West that promises wealth, commerce, and opportunity. In honor of his visit, we invite you to break tradition and make the most of our grand closing weekend! Celebrate in a big way as we bid farewell to the festival with joy and excitement! For more information on the festival, click here! 2025 Oklahoma Renaissance Festival Gallery

Bentonville Fashion Week (BFW) proudly announces its inaugural fundraising weekend, set for Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7th, 2025, at Thaden School in Bentonville. This groundbreaking event aims to support mental health awareness and advocacy through OneCommunity , combining a dynamic and inclusive fashion experience with an impactful cause. As BFW continues to position itself as a premier fashion platform in Northwest Arkansas, the event seeks participation from volunteers, sponsors, designers, and fashion enthusiasts to shape this vision. Stay tuned for announcements on featured designers, ticket sales, and the event schedule. Volunteer Opportunities ● Backstage crew ● Dressers ● Hair and makeup assistants ● Stagehands ● Ushers and guest services ● Check-in and registration ● Runners (general assistants) ● Social media and       photography assistants ● Merchandise and vendor       assistants ● Setup crew ● Decoration and signage team ● Technical support assistants ● Post-event cleanup crew *No prior experience is required—just enthusiasm and reliability! Interested individuals can apply online at bentonvillefashionweek.com For sponsorship inquiries, reach out to Emma Bell, Director of Vendors and Sponsors, at bellacreativesllc@gmail.com . About Bentonville Fashion Week: Bentonville Fashion Week (BFW) exists to showcase the latest trends and talents in the fashion industry, offering unique opportunities for networking, collaboration, and creative inspiration. The BFW team is dedicated to curating exceptional fashion experiences and fostering a vibrant, inclusive environment that celebrates innovation and empowers emerging talent. By bringing together boutiques, designers, artists, photographers, models, and businesses, BFW is redefining the fashion landscape in Northwest Arkansas. To stay up to date and support the movement, follow Bentonville Fashion Week on Instagram and TikTok @bentonvillefashionweek or visit bentonvillefashionweek.com . PROUD MEDIA PARTNER

Adventure Subaru has donated $146,000 to two local nonprofits charities as part of the 2024 Subaru Share the Love® Event, reaffirming their commitment to Northwest Arkansas. The donation was shared by the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter, which provides safe shelter and support for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities, offering housing and support to families of seriously ill children. "We’re honored to support these vital organizations," said Danielle Hoffman, Marketing Director at Adventure Subaru. This initiative continues Subaru's mission of giving back, with $320 million donated nationwide over 17 years.

The tragic story of Sade (shah-DAY) Robinson, a young Milwaukee woman, is the focus of the latest episode of Hometown Tragedy . From her sudden disappearance to shocking discoveries, the episode follows the investigation step by step, leading to an arrest. Watch Hometown Tragedy: Finding Justice for Sade Robinson streaming now, only on Very Local. Plus, don’t miss the gripping conclusion: stream live, gavel-to-gavel coverage of the trial of her accused killer starting May 27 on the Very Local app. You can download the Very Local app for free from here.

ABC News is honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month with special coverage throughout May. Beginning May 1, audiences can enjoy stories celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of the AANHPI community across various platforms and programs. Highlights include performances, cultural showcases, and personal stories, such as: GMA featuring the Rutgers Bhangra team, Korean recipes with chef Judy Joo, and a spotlight on New York’s Win Son Bakery. Nightline exploring Asian traditions, from K-pop dance camps to Kabuki theater. The View showcasing notable AANHPI figures like Anna Huang and Vishavjit Singh. ABC News Live’s Operation Babylift special marking its 50th anniversary.

The Arkansas Anime Festival is back and better than ever, returning to the Holiday Inn in Springdale, Arkansas, from June 27th to 29th! This family-friendly celebration of anime, cosplay, and pop culture promises an unforgettable weekend packed with fun. Fans can explore an amazing lineup of artists, vendors, thrilling performances, and engaging panels. This year’s festival will also feature a fantastic lineup of special guests, including talented cosplayers and world-famous voice actors. Don’t miss out—mark your calendars for an action-packed anime adventure! Special Guests announcements below: Bryan Massey We’re thrilled to announce that multi-award-winning actor Bryan Massey will be joining us! With an impressive career spanning stage, screen, and voice acting, Bryan brings a wealth of talent and experience to every medium. He’s voiced iconic characters such as Crimson Riot in My Hero Academia , Oolong in Dragon Ball Z Kai , and Wilhelm the Enforcer in Borderlands: The Pre Sequel . You’ve also seen him in films like W. , Mad Money , and Drive Angry , as well as series like X-Files and Prison Break . Stay tuned to hear from this incredible performer who continues to captivate audiences worldwide! Amanda Gish We are excited to welcome the incredibly talented Amanda Gish! Known for her dynamic roles as an actress, model, cosplayer, singer, and voice actor, Amanda has brought countless characters to life. Fans will recognize her as Kinoko Komori in My Hero Academia , Witch in Goblin Slayer , and Inara in the video game Paladins , among many others. Outside of acting, Amanda produces k-pop music videos and English covers as Black Rose Garden, and shares lifestyle content on her YouTube channel, AmandaGish0802. Be sure to follow her creative journey on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok @Mastagish! Shawn Gann We’re excited to introduce Shawn Gann, a talented Filipino-American ADR Voice & Casting Director, Voiceover Artist, and Educator. Shawn has voiced roles in beloved titles such as My Hero Academia , Dragon Ball Super , Attack on Titan , and One Piece . His impressive directing credits include Buddy Daddies , Fruits Basket , Kaiju No. 8 , and many more. You may also recognize his voice from video games like Borderlands 3 , Genshin Impact , and Tales of Luminaria. Recently, Shawn completed filming for Amazon’s The Dark Places and A Midsummer Night’s Dream . Don’t miss the chance to meet this accomplished artist! Marissa Lenti We’re thrilled to welcome the amazing Marissa Lenti as our special guest! Best known as the voice of Moze in Borderlands 3 and Gangle in The Amazing Digital Circus , Marissa has lent their talent to countless beloved characters. Fans will recognize their anime roles such as Cocotte in Dragon Ball Super , Libra in Fairy Tail , and Chiaki Hoshinomori in Gamers! . In gaming, Marissa shines as voices like Financier Cookie in Cookie Run: Kingdom and Thor in Marvel Avengers Academy . Don’t miss the chance to meet this multifaceted star of anime, video games, and so much more! Go here for tickets and other information.

Ribbon cuttings and other chamber events in Fort Smith. 📢 The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce will be accepting nominations for the  Jack White Community Leadership Award  through May 9, 2025. Go here to submit your nomination . 🔔 Leadership Fort Smith Class of 2026 applications are available to fill out through Friday, May 16th, 2025. Go here for information and to fill out your application . 📌 Most anticipated Chamber events of the year—the Jack White Legislative Golf Tournament ! This tournament is the perfect combination of a day on the green and networking with community leaders. Go here for more information. ✂️🎀 Grand Opening Bonanza Pharmacy & 5 Years Bonanza Clinic Anniversary Date and Time: Monday May 5, 2025 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT Location: 920 AR-45, Bonanza, AR 72916 ✂️🎀 1 of A Kind Medical Services Date and Time: Wednesday, May 7th 2025 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM  Location: 4500 Rogers Ave Fort Smith, AR 72903 ✂️🎀 Datamax Inc. Date and Time: Tuesday, May 13th 2025 11:00 AM-12:00 PM  Location: 4311 Burrough Road Fort Smith, AR 72916 ✂️🎀 Maple Park at Riley Farm Date and Time: Friday May 16, 2025 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT Location: 11601 Kenwood Dr Fort Smith, AR 72916

Step into the enchanting world of 1569 at the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival, hosted at the Castle of Muskogee this weekend! Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Castleton, a charming Renaissance-era town brought to life for all to explore. Witness thrilling full-contact jousting tournaments, marvel at captivating Birds of Prey demonstrations, be amazed by talented traveling acrobats, and enjoy a wide array of unique entertainment. The festival kicks off at 10:30 AM on April 26th and will run every Saturday and Sunday up to June 1st. Don’t miss this opportunity to journey back in time! Click here for More information  on the Festival   Each weekend at the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival has a unique theme that honors the visiting royalty for that weekend. Photo Credit: Castle of Muskogee Fantasy Weekend / April 26-27 King Oberon, the majestic ruler of Avalon, embarks on a grand journey to the Land of Castleton in pursuit of Her Royal Majesty’s favor. Join in the enchanting celebration of his visit, where the realms of fantasy and reality intertwine. Be captivated by the magic as faeries and mythical creatures emerge to honor Oberon’s pilgrimage. This opening weekend of the festival promises to deliver spellbinding moments and whimsical encounters you won’t want to miss. Photo Credit: Castle of Muskogee Romance Weekend / May 3-4 King Henri, the son of Contessa De Medici, brings a touch of Italian charm while staying true to his French heart. This weekend at the festival, he arrives in Castleton to win the favor of Her Majesty and captivate the hearts of all the ladies. Celebrate a weekend dedicated to love, kindness, and chivalry, and join in the magic of this royal visit! Photo Credit: Castle of Muskogee Pirates Weekend / May 10-11 The Spanish Armada arrives in Castleton, bringing with it a wave of excitement as the port opens to all pirates! Her Majesty has extended her hospitality to Spanish King Phillip, but with his strong Catholic foundation, tensions may run high. Join us this weekend to see how this intriguing chapter of history unfolds in a celebration full of adventure and surprises! Photo Credit: Castle of Muskogee Celtic Weekend / May 17-18 This weekend, we proudly welcome Mary, Queen of Scots, in a lively celebration of our cherished Scottish heritage. Prepare for a rowdy and activity-packed experience as Celtic festivities take center stage! Don your clan colors, press your kilts, and join us for a weekend filled with Scottish charm and excitement! Imperial Weekend / May 24-25 Guten Tag! Raise your steins as we welcome His Imperial Majesty Charles II and celebrate the heroes among us. This weekend includes a highlight of the festival—Monday’s Memorial Day Parade, a touching tribute to honor those who have fallen. Join us for this heartfelt day of remembrance, a moving tradition that celebrates our soldiers and their sacrifices. Photo Credit: Castle of Muskogee Spice Roads Weekend / May 31 & June 1st Emperor Sarsa Dengel has unveiled the Spice Roads, forging a vital trade connection between East and West that promises wealth, commerce, and opportunity. In honor of his visit, we invite you to break tradition and make the most of our grand closing weekend! Celebrate in a big way as we bid farewell to the festival with joy and excitement! Photo Credit: Castle of Muskogee Immerse yourself in the magic of Castleton with Coin of the Realm, the official festival currency! Use it to shop, dine, and enjoy all the festival has to offer, just like cash or card. Visit the Bank of Castleton anytime to exchange it back for dollars. Even better, the coins never expire and can be used year-round at the Castle of Muskogee. Beautifully engraved, these coins are both functional and a memorable keepsake of your adventure! Click here for tickets and other information

Mark your calendars! The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are returning to Arvest Ballpark on Tuesday, May 6th, for an exciting six-game series against the Wichita Wind Surge, the Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. The matchup runs through Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11th. The homestand kicks off with the season’s first Education Day Game , followed by daily food and drink specials to keep fans entertained throughout the week. Highlights include back-to-back fireworks shows lighting up the sky on Friday and Saturday nights. The series finale on Mother’s Day is packed with family-oriented fun. Our very own 40/29 News Anchor Yuna Lee will throw out the first pitch. Fans will receive a Mother’s Day Mesh Beach Pool Duffle Bag Giveaway , and kids can enjoy a FREE snack. To cap it all off, there’s a special Kids and Moms Run the Bases event, making for an unforgettable day at the ballpark. Join us for an action-packed week of baseball, giveaways, and family memories at Arvest Ballpark!

Brandon Goldsmith giving press conference The Fort Smith International Film Festival and MidAmerica Film Market are gearing up for an exciting year. This year's festival is scheduled for August 7th through the 9th at the Fort Smith Convention Center, a move that promises to provide more space for expansion and growth. The festival has previously attracted 1,754 submissions from over 80 countries, emphasizing diverse voices. Last year's event featured 20 Indigenous films, including the first film by the Quapaw Nation. This year aims to amplify underrepresented voices further. The MidAmerica Film Market, running alongside the festival, aims to support filmmakers with crucial resources such as: • Workshops on film distribution, finance, marketing, and branding strategies. • Networking opportunities with industry professionals and distributors. • Support for independent productions aiming to reach broader audiences. Film Submissions open on January 24 and close on May 2, to submit your film go to FortSmithfilm.com Click below to watch the full press conference Proud Supporters of the Fort Smith International Film Festival

The cherished tradition of outdoor live music in Fayetteville continues with the return of the Gulley Park Summer Concert Series for its 29th year in 2025. The concert series is a family-friendly event with something for everyone, including your furry family members. There are six concerts scheduled for this year's series, all occurring on Thursday evenings in June and July. On June 26th, there is a special night just for the little ones. 'Kidz Night' will feature obstacle course inflatables, a bounce house, face painting, and jumbo-sized yard games! Held alongside the concert series is the Gulley Park Art Market. The market showcases a wide variety of local artists & makers. 2025 Gulley Park Summer Concert Series Lineup June 12 - Ultra Suede June 19 - National Park Radio June 26 - Emo Night: Taylor's Version (Kidz Night) July 10 - Rochelle Bradshaw & Hypnotion July 17 - Dandelion Heart July 24 - King Cabbage Brass Band