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Events

Weekend Roundup

It’s Friday in the most fun corner of the Natural State, and there are plenty of options to consider for planning a fun weekend…

• 🔔 In the Ring: In a friendly competition to see who can raise the most money for The Salvation Army, several Northwest Arkansas Mayors will participate in the fourth annual Red Kettle Campaign Mayor's Challenge this Friday, Dec 8.

• 📻 Jingle Jangle: Get ready to dance the night away at Jingle Jam, a 3-in-1 holiday dance extravaganza coming to CACHE Studios in Bentonville this Friday, Dec 8, from 7-10p.

• 👩 Ladies Night: Woman-Run has partnered with the Downtown Fayetteville Coalition and the City of Fayetteville to host Holiday Haul, a shopping event promoting woman-owned businesses on and around the Fayetteville Square this Friday, Dec 8, at 6p.

• 🪅 Jump Inn: The Community Creative Center will host its annual Las Posadas celebration this Saturday, Dec 9, from 1-3p.

• 🩰 On Point: Ozark Ballet Theater presents The Nutcracker at Don Tyson School of Innovation in Springdale this Saturday, Dec 9, at 7p and Sunday, Dec 10, at 2p.

• ☕️ Choco-Lots of Fun: Stop by TheatreSquared in Fayetteville for a free, family-friendly Hot Cocoa Social this Saturday, Dec 9, at 10a and 11a.

• ⛰️ Up on the Mountain: Explore the beautifully decorated trees and wreaths while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and drinks during Mount Sequoyah’s Festival of Trees: 100 Year Celebration and Auction this Saturday, Dec 9, from 5:30-7:30p.

• 🎄 Sweaters & Startups: Throw on your ugly Christmas sweater and shop local for the holidays during the NWA Christmas Maker's Market, hosted by Startup Junkie at Loloft in Downtown Rogers, this Saturday, Dec 9, from 9a-4p.* 

• ☕️ Marshmallows on Top: Grab a mug and explore different stops around town during the Prairie Grove Cocoa Crawl this Saturday, Dec 9, from 4-6p. 

• 🎅 Floating On By: The 2023 Bentonville Christmas Parade will make its way through Downtown Bentonville this Saturday, Dec 9, starting at 6p.

• 🎻 Sweet Symphony: Enjoy a mix of sacred and secular holiday favorites during A Very SONA Chrismas at Walton Arts Center on Saturday, Dec 9, at 2p and 7:30p. 

• 🐘 Dumbo Dash: Cheer on runners in the White Elephant 5K & 1 Mile at the Fayetteville Square this Saturday, Dec 9. 

• 🏠 Home for the Holidays: The Rogers Historical Museum will host its annual Holiday Open House this Saturday, December 9, from 10a-2p. This year’s theme is A Rogers Christmas.

• 🎄 Cute & Cozy: Join GOAT LAB Brewery for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Crafting Party this Sunday, Dec 10, from 2-6p. Bring your own sweatshirt or sweater; they’ll have the crafting supplies. 

• ⛄️ Feeling Frosty: Join a family-friendly symphony experience as Walton Arts Center presents a special screening of The Snowman: A Family Concert with the original score performed live by SoNA on Sunday, Dec 10, at 2p. 

Happy weekending, Northwest Arkansas! We’ll see you back here Monday morning.

Outdoors + Startups

GORP Receives Over $2M In Grants To Expand Program Statewide

The U of A’s Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program, or GORP, received a $1.2m grant from the U.S. Economic Development Agency, matched by an additional $1m from the State of Arkansas, to expand its business incubator program statewide.

• Statewide Expansion: The new GORP ARound the State program will develop entrepreneurs in key recreation opportunity zones around Arkansas, including Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Mena, Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Roland, and the Delta Heritage Trail State Park in West Helena.

• Let’s GO...rp: Housed at The Collaborative, the University of Arkansas' education and research hub in Bentonville, GORP has provided support to over 300 entrepreneurs through its diverse services, workshops, networking events, one-on-one consulting, and access to co-working space.

Entrepreneurs looking to make waves in the outdoor recreation industry should apply for GORP's programs HERE.

Sponsored by HootOwl Legal

Demystify Estate Planning During a Live Lunch and Learn with HootOwl Legal

Live with peace of mind knowing you’ve ensured the well-being of those you love with a thoughtfully prepared estate plan. Take your first step by joining a free Lunch and Learn with HootOwl Legal, with options next week in Springdale and Fayetteville.

• Leave Your Legacy: Founded by Jacob and Gracie Lively, HootOwl is an estate planning firm designed to walk families and business owners through a holistic and approachable legacy planning process.

• Be Proactive: Start your journey to securing your legacy by joining this free, in-person Lunch & Learn event on Estate Planning. Connect with experts, ask questions, and enjoy a complimentary lunch — all while gaining valuable insights into crafting a robust estate plan.

Join HootOwl for a Lunch and Learn in Springdale at The Apollo on Emma on Dec 12 or in Fayetteville at Tacos 4 Life on Dec 14.

Highlight

Arkansas-Based Project Earns International Recognition at World Architecture Festival

Last week, Peter Mackeith, the dean of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, presented to juries at the World Architecture Festival in Singapore, securing three prestigious international honors for the U of A’s Anthony Timberlands Center.

• Making the Podium: The Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Materials Innovation earned the 2023 Visualization Prize, a "Highly Commended" citation in the Future Projects: Education category, and a WAFX award in the Building Technology category at the festival, which featured nearly 500 finalists across 50+ categories.

• Good Wood: Designed by Grafton Architects of Dublin, Ireland, in collaboration with Fayetteville’s Modus Studio, the center not only serves educational purposes but also aims to elevate Arkansas as a hub for architectural excellence and sustainable timber construction on a global scale.

Learn more about the Anthony Timberlands Center HERE.

NWA Daily Picks

In other news

• ☕️ Come for the Cocoa, Stay for the Carols: Unplug with a cheery hug in a mug at TheatreSquared's free Hot Cocoa Social on 12/9 from 10 am to 12 pm. After indulging your sweet tooth, enjoy A Christmas Carol, the perfect holiday treat for the whole family. Onstage now to 12/24.*

• 🍪 On A Roll: Small business owner Danielle Henderson of Rollin’ in the Dough Cookies in northwest Arkansas is set to participate in the Christmas Cookie Challenge on the Food Network — episode scheduled for Dec 14 at 8p.

• 🌻 Solar Plants: KUAF’s Jacqueline Froelich interviewed Isaac Ogle, founder of Comprehensive Botanical Services, on a recent episode of Ozarks at Large, exploring the unique benefits of cultivating native plant species around solar arrays on energy farms.

• 🥛 Lactation Station: Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas has opened the first Northwest Arkansas donation center, the Mercy NWA Milk Depot, allowing nursing women to donate breast milk to hospitals across Arkansas.

• 📅 Ditch the FOMO: Post your upcoming events on our Events Page, and stay in the know about upcoming events mentioned in the newsletter.

• 🥳 Join the Club: Our NWA Daily Fan Club keeps this thing going. In return for being awesome, they get access to exclusive giveaways — ranging from gift cards and concert tickets to bikes and kayaks!

• 🚀 Take Off: Share your message with our growing community of 35,300+ readers. We have several advertising opportunities to help you share your story with Northwest Arkansas.

*Content is sponsored.

Employment

Cool Jobs In NWA

Looking for a job? Find opportunities in the retail, health, education, arts, and more sectors listed on our Jobs Board.

Looking to hire? Post open jobs HERE.