Aug. 6
The Secret Garden
SEARCY — Center on the Square will present The Secret Garden at 1:30 p.m. Food will be provided by Daisy’s Lunchbox and will be served an hour before the show. For tickets, visit www.centeronthesquare.org.
Aug. 7
Community Music Gathering
BATESVILLE — There will be a gathering for a session of acoustic music and singing from 6-8 p.m. in the Community Room at First Community Bank, at the corner of Harrison and St. Louis streets. The public is welcome to sing, play, request songs or listen at the free event.
Aug. 10
Learn to Paint the Bob Ross Way
MOUNTAIN VIEW — Ozark Folk Center State Park will present Learn to Paint the Bob Ross Way, a four-hour class on the wet-on-wet style of painting popularized by late celebrity and painter Bob Ross. Teacher Brenda Lawrence is a Certified Bob Ross Art Instructor. All canvas, brushes, paints and supplies will be provided. Participants will go home with a finished 16-by-20-inch oil painting. For more information or to register for the class, call (870) 269-3851.
Aug. 11
Movies in the Park-Food Truck Friday
BATESVILLE — The city of Batesville will host a Movies in the Park-Food Truck Friday, beginning at 11 a.m. at Riverside Park. A free showing of Storks will begin at 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Kyle Christopher at (870) 793-2378 or tourism@mybatesville.org.
Aug. 11 and Aug. 12
Old Time Fiddle Weekend
MOUNTAIN VIEW — The Old Time Fiddle Weekend at Ozark Folk Center State Park will take place both days. The event will feature fiddle contests for the official Arkansas State Fiddle Championship. To register, call (870) 269-3851.
Aug. 12
AARP Smart Driver Course
SEARCY — The PrimesTimes of Unity Health Medical Center will host an AARP Smart Driver Course from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Hubach Conference Center, 3214 E. Race Ave. The instructors are Deborah Landers and Jerry Yates. The cost of the course is $15 for AARP members with an AARP card, and $20 for nonmembers. Participants are asked to park behind the hospital off Moore Street, use the elevator to go to the first floor and bring a sweater or jacket because the room is cold. To register for the class, call Elizabeth Lever at PrimeTimes at (501) 278-3230.
Clothing Drive Challenge
CABOT — The Cabot Lions Club will sponsor the Clothing Drive Challenge to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Open Arms Shelter. All are invited to drop off new or gently worn clothing, coats, belts and shoes (infant through adult sizes) Saturday at the Cabot Farmers Market in the parking lot of ReNew Community Church, 1122 S. Second St. Backpacks and suitcases will also be collected. For more information, call (501) 920-2122.
Wiffle Ball Tournament Fundraiser
SEARCY — The Apostolic Church will host a Wiffle Ball Tournament to benefit the Veterans Outreach Ministries Center. The tournament will begin at 10 a.m. Registration is $25 per team and is due Monday. For more information or to register, call pastor Larry Davidson at (501) 827-2565.
White River Bass Classic
BATESVILLE — The White River Bass Classic will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the White River in Batesville. For more information, call (870) 307-4113.
ONGOING
Music in the Caverns Cancellation
MOUNTAIN VIEW — The Music in the Caverns concert series at Blanchard Springs Caverns has been canceled. Caroling in the Caverns will begin at the end of November. For more information, call the caverns at (870) 757-2211.
Ozarka College Yoga Classes
MOUNTAIN VIEW — Ozarka College in Mountain View will offer yoga classes through the Continuing Education program for eight weeks, beginning Aug. 15. There will be two sessions offered each day. Tuesday sessions will meet from 4-5:30 p.m. and from 5:45-7:15 p.m. Thursday sessions will be from 5-6:30 p.m. and from 6:45-8:15 p.m. The instructor will be Rachel Olivia Bishop. Students can bring their own yoga mat, blocks, straps, etc.; however, there will be a few yoga mats available. The cost per 8-week session, which meets twice a week, is $160 or $150 for people 60 and older, and preregistration is required. For more information or to register, contact Lindsay Wilson-Galloway at (870) 269-5600 or lhgalloway@ozarka.edu.
New Vision Newport Leadership Class
NEWPORT — The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the 2016-2017 New Vision Newport leadership class. This year’s sessions will begin with a mandatory overnight retreat Sept. 15 and 16. Other sessions are held one day per month at various locations. Applications will be accepted through Friday. The tuition fee of $300 includes all materials, meals and travel expenses. Return completed applications to the chamber office, 201 Hazel St. For more information, contact Julie Allen at (870) 523-3618 or Jon Chadwell at (870) 523-1009.
Pioneer Village Summer Saturdays
SEARCY — Pioneer Village, a late-1800s village at 1200 Higginson St., will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. all Saturdays through August. Volunteers will give tours of the buildings and grounds. All buildings are original to White County. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For more information or to verify opening in the event of rain, call (501) 580-6633.
Summer Arkansas Artists and Mentors Exhibit
BEEBE — The Arkansas State University-Beebe Art Department is featuring the exhibit Arkansas Grown: Artists Emerging on the Arkansas Art Scene through Aug. 15 in the England Center Art Gallery, 201 N. Orange St. Participating artists and their mentors are Hannah May and mentor Stephen Driver; Logan Hunter and mentor Louise Halsey; Joey Lindsey and mentor John Baymore; Irena Fernandez and mentor Richard Stephens; Robert LaWarre and mentor Austin Lindsey; and Cat Traen and mentor Amy Klein. The gallery is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call (501) 882-4495.
Farmers Market
HORSESHOE BEND — The Horseshoe Bend Farmers Market will be open from 8-10:30 a.m. each Wednesday at Faith Presbyterian Church, at Church and Fourth streets. Vendors will offer fresh produce, baked goods and crafts.
Free Brown-Bag Lunch
CABOT — The Mount Tabor United Methodist Church Women of Cabot serve a free brown-bag lunch at 11 a.m. each Thursday at the church, 4100 Arkansas 89 S. In 2016, this mission of the church served more than 8,600 lunches to the hungry and needy of Cabot.
Opportunity for Bridge Players
BEEBE — Bridge players are needed at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at the Shepherd’s Center at Beebe United Methodist Church, 302A N. Main St. Beginners are welcome. For more information, call (501) 843-2930.
Beebe Caregivers Support Group
BEEBE — The Beebe Caregivers Support Group meets at 3 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Shepherd’s Center at Beebe United Methodist Church, 302A N. Main St. For more information, call Sandra Garrett at (501) 940-4021.
Republicans Meetings
NEWPORT — The Jackson County Republicans meet at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at Merchants and Planters Bank, 915 Arkansas 367 N. For more information, call Jeff McDonald at (870) 731-7646.
Friday Night Bingo
HEBER SPRINGS — Friday Night Bingo takes place each week at the American Legion Hall, 49 Park Road. Doors open at 5:30 for bonanzas, and regular play starts at 6:30 p.m. Food is available.
Cabot Lions Club Meetings
CABOT — The Cabot Lions Club has regular get-togethers at noon the first and third Thursdays of the month at the Kingpin Sports Grill. Lions serve local communities and protect the planet. Club members provide children with eyeglasses, offer food for seniors and provide assistance during natural disasters. All are invited to the meetings.
Upcoming
Small Town Amateur Radio Service Meeting
CABOT— The Small Town Amateur Radio Service, or Stars, a ham-radio group, will meet at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 13 at American Legion Post 71, 114 N. First St. The group meets the second Sunday of every month. For more information, call (501) 203-5715.
White County Retired Teachers Meeting
SEARCY — The White County Retired Teachers will meet at noon Aug. 14 at the Carmichael Community Center, 801 S. Elm St. George Hopkins, head of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, will speak. Lunch will be provided; RSVP to Joe Hurd at williamjhurd@yahoo.com. Dues may also be paid at the meeting.
Kids Track Night
SEARCY — Kids Track Night, a free event open to kids ages 1-13, will begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Harding University Track. The mission of Kids Track Night is to promote running in a fun, safe environment. Running events range from 50 meters through a mile. At the end of each meet, there will also be a 4x400 meter relay for the older kids. More information and registration are available at searcyrush.com.
Scholarship Application Deadline
SEARCY — The deadline is Aug. 15 to apply for White County Single Parent Scholarship Fund Inc. fall 2017 scholarships. The scholarships are awarded to White County single parents who have minor children and are pursuing postsecondary education in order to achieve skilled employment. The application may be viewed at www.aspsf.org. For more information, contact Executive Director Dan Newsom at wcspsf.inc@gmail.com or (501) 230-2414.
Basic Leather Crafting Class
MOUNTAIN VIEW — Ozark Folk Center State Park will offer a basic leather crafting class, taught by Janice Clark, on Aug. 18. Participants will make a personalized leather journal while learning the basic leather-crafting skills of tooling, staining, lacing and finishing. To register for the class, call (870) 269-3851.
Beats & Eats August
SEARCY — Main Street Searcy will host its monthly Beats & Eats downtown, beginning at 6 p.m. Aug. 18. The event will include live music, food from local businesses and food trucks, kid-friendly activities and shopping. Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs to the Main Street parking lot, behind Think Idea Studio and Burrito Day, for this free community event.
Next Generation Concert
MOUNTAIN VIEW — Ozark Folk Center State Park will host the annual Next Generation concert at 7 p.m. Aug. 19 in the Music Auditorium. Scheduled to perform are Twang, Here Comes Trouble, Five South, Pretty Lil Miss, Possum Juice and Outlaw Status. For more information, call (870) 269-3851.
Public Casting Call
BATESVILLE — The NADT Dance Academy will host a public casting call for The Nutcracker for ages 5 through adult from 2-3 p.m. Aug. 19. No dance experience is required nor affiliation with NADT. Performances will be the weekend before Thanksgiving. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Cindy Hubbard at (866) GOT-NADT, www.nadt.info or cindy@nadt.info.
Cheeseburger in Paradise Fundraiser
FAIRFIELD BAY — Tickets are on sale for the Fairfield Bay Community Education Center’s annual Cheeseburger in Paradise fundraiser, set for 6:30-9:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Conference Center. The dinner and dance will feature beach food, a silent auction, a pay-as-you-go bar and live music by Lucky Draw. Tickets are $25, and 50/50 raffle tickets are $5 each. Tickets are available from committee members Linda Duncan, Bonnie Lang, Sharon Luxon, Kay Otis and Cindy Wellenberger, and at the Education Center and the Fairfield Bay Conference Center. For more information, call (501) 884-4440.
Newport Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet
NEWPORT — The ninth annual Newport Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet will take place at 6 p.m. Aug. 24 at the Newport Country Club. Hosted by the Newport Special School District Charitable Foundation, the event will honor outstanding Newport graduates with induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame. Tickets, at $25 each, are on sale at the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, 201 Hazel St. For more information, email newportfoundation@yahoo.com.
Grill-Fest
SEARCY — This year’s Grill-Fest on Aug. 25 has been expanded to become White County’s Tailgate to kick off the 2017 football season. All White County teams have agreed to participate in this first countywide pep rally. The event will feature activities for the kids, live music, grilled burgers, hot dogs and more. All proceeds will benefit Jacob’s Place Homeless Mission for displaced families with children. Tickets can be purchased at participating banks beginning Monday.
Quilter’s Retreat
MOUNTAIN VIEW — Ozark Folk Center State Park will present a quilter’s retreat Aug. 24-26. The event will feature quilting classes with René Riggan, Jennie Sharp and Jennifer Whitman. To register for the retreat, call (870) 269-3851.
Central Arkansas Team Care for the Homeless Meeting
CABOT — Central Arkansas Team Care for the Homeless (Catch), will meet at 10 a.m. Aug. 26 at American Legion Post 71, 114 N. First St., in the Cabot mini mall. For more information, Call (501) 203-5715.
Land O’ Frost Car Show
SEARCY — Land O’ Frost will host a car show at 9 a.m. Aug. 26 at the White County Fairgrounds to benefit the JDRF, the leading organization for Type I diabetes research. The preregistration fee is $20, and day-of-show registration is $25.
Marty Stuart Concert
MOUNTAIN VIEW — Marty Stuart will be in concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 2 in the large auditorium at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Tickets are reserved seating at $35 for premium seats and $25 for general reserved seats. To purchase tickets, call (870)-269-3851, and press No. 2.
Bark in the Park Dog Walk and 5K Fun Run
ROSE BUD — Service Dogs of Distinction will have its second annual Bark in the Park Dog Walk and 5K Fun Run at 9 a.m. Sept. 9 at City Park. Service Dogs of Distinction is a nonprofit that provides service dogs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder at no cost to the veterans.
Memorial Golf Classic
CABOT — The Cabot Lions Club will host its annual Memorial Golf Classic, in memory of Lion Rick Meadows, on Sept. 11 at Cabot’s Rolling Hills Country Club on Mount Carmel Road/Arkansas 321. The four-person scramble will have a shot-gun start at 1 p.m. Proceeds will provide vision-screenings, eye exams and the purchase of eyeglasses for schoolchildren and in-need adults. The entry deadline is Sept. 5, and entry forms are available at cabotlions@yahoo.com or by calling (501) 920-2122. Entry fees, $100 per person or $400 per team, include the green fee, a golf cart, two free mulligans, and a steak and baked-potato dinner. For more information, contact the Cabot Lions Club at (501) 920-2122.
White River Water Carnival
BATESVILLE — The 74th annual White River Water Carnival will take place at 10 a.m. Sept. 16 at Riverside Park. There will be live music, food and craft vendors, a car show, a parade and activities for kids.
Artoberfest
BATESVILLE — Artoberfest, a free arts and music festival, will begin at 10 a.m. Oct. 7 on Main Street. The event will feature artists’ booths, live music, art demonstrations and more. For more information, contact Carly Dahl at (870) 793-3382 or email info@batesvilleareartscouncil.org.
To submit an item for the Calendar of Events, mail information to Calendar of Events, Three Rivers Edition, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, AR, 72203; send faxes to (501) 378-3500; or email trnews@arkansasonline.com. Deadlines for calendar-item submissions are noon Friday for Thursday editions and noon Tuesday for Sunday editions.