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Photos: St. Patrick’s Day 2024 in Central Arkansas

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This past weekend was a wild show of green and glittering gold for central Arkansas.

First up on Saturday was the 23rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade through downtown Little Rock and Argenta hosted by the Irish Cultural Society of Arkansas. Irish wolfhounds, dancers, leprechauns and a whole lot of locals showed up for the celebration that ended in a Third Street block party.

Then on Sunday was the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This Hot Springs tradition covering a brief 98 feet was kickstarted by actor Forrie J. Smith, grand-marshaled by Emmitt Smith and wrapped up with a concert from The Molly Ringwalds.

Here’s a look back at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities through the lens of our photographer Mark Wagner.

UA Little Rock to Host 19th Annual Taste of Little Rock Event

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Taste your way around the city’s restaurant scene during UA Little Rock’s annual Taste of Little Rock event on Tuesday, April 2. Now in its 19th year, the event will honor Travis Rowan, a long-time supporter and passionate alumnus of UA Little Rock.

Taste of Little Rock will take place on campus at the Jack Stephens Center and feature a lengthy spread with food from some of the city’s best restaurants, all to raise funds for the UA Little Rock Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

“Being named the 2024 Taste of Little Rock Honoree is quite surreal,” Rowan says. “As an attendee of past Taste of Little Rock events, I have always looked up to the honorees. To now be included among them is very humbling, and my heart is filled with gratitude.

“I annually highlight Taste of Little Rock on my calendar as it neatly combines two things I love, food and, of course, giving back to Little Rock. It’s the perfect combination and extremely appropriate as I have always viewed the importance of investing in higher education not as getting students full of knowledge but rather making them always hungry for more.”

The foodie event begins at 6 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit the UA Little Rock website, and you can learn more about Rowan here.

Last Call for Women to Watch Nominations

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Now’s the time to stop dragging your feet and start lifting up the amazing women in your life.

There are only a few days left to submit your nominations for Little Rock Soirée‘s annual Women to Watch special section. This feature highlights notable ladies making an impact in the Little Rock community whether as leaders, businesswomen or tireless volunteers. 

Know a difference maker in central Arkansas? Nominate her.

The deadline to submit is March 24. The 2024 class of Women to Watch will be featured in Soirée’s June issue. 

Click here to nominate your Woman to Watch.

And check out these fierce females from last year’s class.

Weekend Guide: 10 Events That are Pure Gold

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Parades, live music, dinosaurs — there’s a little bit of everything in the city this weekend. Let’s get into it.

Thursday, March 14

Femme Flicks: Arkansas Women in Film at Ron Robinson Theater // The Made in Arkansas Film Festival is expanding its offerings throughout the year, and that includes monthly screenings at the downtown theater. This month’s girl-powered lineup features 13 short films — some award-winning — followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.

“Chautauqua: Music of the Winds” at UA-PTC CHARTS // The Little Rock Wind Symphony is looking to spring in the next installment of its Diversion series. This chamber music performance will feature works that highlight “the unique sound and versatility” of woodwind trios and a mixed-winds large ensemble. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.

Save the dates: Little Rock’s 2024 Spring Performing Arts Calendar

Friday, March 15

Third Friday Art Walk in Argenta // Lace up your comfy shoes because this monthly walk invites you to stroll through the Argenta Arts District’s lineup of special exhibits and events. Highlights include a Matthew Castellano exhibit at Argenta Library and a Christina Gomes show and eclipse-themed crafting at The Hub. The Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.

Saturday, March 16

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Little Rock and Argenta // Put on your green and head downtown for this 23rd annual spectacle in the streets. Held by the Irish Cultural Society of Arkansas, the parade begins at Sixth and Main in Argenta and wraps up at Third and Cumberland across the river. Expect leprechauns, Irish wolfhounds, bands, Irish dancers, floats and lots more. The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. Learn more here.

Third Street St. Patrick’s Day Block Party // Just go ahead and clear your schedule. After the parade wraps up next door, the street stays closed on this bit of Third so guests can load up on live music, eats, drinks and vendors, all in the name of St. Pat. The fun lasts until 10 p.m. Learn more here. Not enough for you? Come back for round two on Sunday.

Friday & Saturday, March 15 & 16

Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater, and the lineups keep pulling us in. Up first is “Gravity” on Friday at 7 p.m., then on Saturday is the next Exhibition on Screen installment “Easter in Art” at 4 p.m., followed by an interactive screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 8 p.m. Learn more here.

Sunday, March 17

Michael Rice: A Homecoming Concert at Argenta Contemporary Theatre // To christen the newly renamed theater, ACT is welcoming some familiar faces to the stage. Rice is an award-winning composer, arranger, pianist and musical director who cut his teeth in Arkansas before heading to Broadway. Joining him on stage will be a host of local talent including Bob Bidewell, Jean Cantrell, Ben Grimes, Kathryn Pryor, Claire Rhodes, Judy Trice and Will Trice. Catch the show at 2 and 7 p.m. Learn more here.

Miss the memo on ACT? Catch up here.

Saturday & Sunday, March 16 & 17

Dinosaur Adventure at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // Life finds a way, folks. Load up the fam and come experience the life-sized dino exhibit, site dig, hands-on fun and more. Adventuring hours are 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.

Speaking of prehistoric things: Recycle Your Old Electronics at This Community Event

Spring Vendor Market at BoBrook Farms // Serving up another dose of the season, this annual outdoor market has food trucks, lawn games, Easter Bunny photos and booths from more than 60 local vendors. And did we mention the farm has its own winery? Be there 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday or noon – 5 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more here.

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend in Little Rock // The parade was just the beginning. Some of your favorite local haunts are celebrating across the next few days. Here’s where to pop in for a wee bit of fun:

If you prefer to stay at home: 3 Irish Whiskeys to Sip for St. Patrick’s Day

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Announces 2024-2025 Season

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With its current season closing in a few weeks, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra has released the lineup for its 2024-2025 season. The announced shows are part of the Stella Boyle Smith Trust Masterworks and First Orion Pops series, the best-known of the ASO’s three  tentpole series, and will be performed at the Robinson Center. The River Rhapsodies series, which takes place at the Clinton Presidential Center, is yet to be announced.

The season sees the return of popular performances such as the annual “Beethoven and Blue Jeans” and “Home for the Holidays” shows, as well as a repertoire of classic and contemporary pieces.

Without further ado, here’s the lineup for the 2024-2025 season:

Masterworks

  • Sept. 28-29: Aaron Diehl Plays Gershwin
  • Nov. 2-3: “Beethoven and Blue Jeans”
  • Jan. 25-26: Zee Zee Plays Liszt
  • Feb. 22-23: Simone Porter Plays Philip Glass
  • April 5-6: “Fairies and Flowers”
  • May 3-4: “Song of the Night: Mahler’s Seventh Symphony”

Click here for series details.

Pops

  • Dec. 20-22: “Home for the Holidays”
  • Feb. 8-9: “Broadway Rocks”
  • March 8-9: “Symphonic Superheroes”
  • May 10-11: “Circus at the Symphony” with Arkansas Circus Arts

Click here for series details.

Ticket sales are open now for season subscriptions and will open to the general public this summer.

For more information on the ASO’s upcoming season, tickets and community events, visit their website, and follow along on FacebookX and Instagram for the latest.

Get to know the ASO music director: Geoffrey Robson Strikes a Chord With the Community

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50th Annual Little Rock Farmers Market Sets Opening Date

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C. Waynette Traub

If you’re ready to embrace spring and all its flavors with open arms, here’s a little something to look forward to. The Little Rock Farmers Market has officially set the opening day of its 2024 season: Saturday, May 4.

Write it down in your planner or tell Siri to bookmark the date because beginning at 7 a.m., the River Market Pavilions will once again be filled with all sorts of vendors and plenty of fresh, local produce.

On opening day, here’s some of the produce that will be in season:

  • strawberries
  • asparagus
  • carrots
  • broccoli
  • tomatoes
  • lettuce
  • onions
  • white potatoes

This year marks the market’s 50th season, which will have the theme of “Back to Our Roots.” According to the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, this focus “will align with our mission to directly support the local community and economy,” and we expect to see anniversary events pop up throughout the season.

The market is open from 7 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Saturdays through Labor Day Weekend. Check out the Little Rock Farmers Market webpage and follow along on Facebook for updates and more info.

Vendors, registration will open soon, so keep an eye on the River Market website for details on how to sign up.

Giving Guide: Historic Arkansas Museum Foundation

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Living Craft Saturdays give visitors a chance to interact with costumed staff and learn about historic trades like letterpress printing.

MISSION

Creating spaces where the curious can learn, the maker can make and the adventurer can explore is part of what drives the Historic Arkansas Museum Foundation Board. In supporting the museum’s mission, the Foundation raises money for the fun stuff.

The Foundation supports Living Craft Saturdays, Camp Historic Arkansas, 2nd Friday Art Night, the Nog-off, annual events like the Christmas Frolic, and free field trips for school groups. It also raises money to purchase Arkansas Made for the museum’s outstanding collection of fine and decorative art that spans hundreds of years and includes contemporary art made by Arkansas artists. The fun stuff.


GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

• Membership: Museum members have supported programming for 30-plus years. HAM loves its members!

• Donations: Financial donations help build programs and the museum’s collection.

• Time: Volunteers make things happen – it’s as simple as that!

• Treasures: Maybe you have the next great addition to our Arkansas Made collection?


FUNDRAISERS AND EVENTS

• Living Craft Saturdays: Explore heritage crafts and trades on HAM’s historic grounds with costumed interpreters. Each week delves into a new theme. Whether it is chair caning, letterpress, tin smithing or weaving, there is always something fascinating to capture your imagination.


FUNDING SOURCES

 Donations: 100%


200 E. Third St.
Little Rock, AR 72201
501.324.9351 | historicarkansas.org

  

President: Erin Finzer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Erin Finzer, President
Aaron D. Scott, Vice President
M. Hamilton Bitely, IV, Treasurer
Chance Tharp, Secretary

Katharine Adams
Chandler Wilson Carroll
Adrienne Collins
Laura Davis
Michal Harris
Tricia Harris
Bryan Hernandez
Mary Claire Imbro
Tonya C. Hooks
Viji Kuruvilla
Robin Loucks
Molly McNulty
Telly L. Noel Sr.
Anne Orsi
Greggory Simril
Laura Stanley
Sarah Thomas


The 2023/2024 Arkansas Giving Guide is presented by Wright Lindsey Jennings. Click here to read a letter from our sponsors.

SPONSORED: Discover Spring Break at the Museum of Discovery

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Museum of Discovery

Spring break is just around the corner and the Museum of Discovery is the place to go no matter the age of your spring breaker. With two brand new permanent galleries and interactive eclipse programming, Little Rock’s premier science center will fill a day with fun and a large helping of learning.

Science Lab opened in November and encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, innovation and collaboration. For example, the Raceway Challenge exhibit allows guests to work together or alone to design and experiment with energy transfer and gravity by using track sections (straight, curved, loops, etc.) to create simple or complex raceways. The Giant Lever exhibit allows guests to pull on a lever to lift a heavy block they could otherwise never move. Three ropes — one each at 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 mechanical advantage — provide a physical way for guests to feel and compare the change in advantage provided by lever arm distance.

Museum of Discovery

Dynamic Earth, which opened in February, demonstrates how the planet changes and provides guests with opportunities to witness how the smallest of microbes recycle energy back into systems of life or see what sets drastic geological changes into motion. The most popular feature is Earthquake, a wheelchair-accessible platform that allows guests to experience varying magnitudes.

If you’re looking forward to the total solar eclipse on April 8, there will be opportunities to explore why the eclipse occurs and just how rare it is to live in the path of totality. Likewise, museum staff have created and illustrated a total eclipse social story to help children who are autistic or neurodivergent prepare for the historical event. The story, along with educational materials are all available here.

Museum of Discovery
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Save the Date for the Annual Hat Club Crawfish Salute

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Louisiana just might have met its match.

If you want to taste and see for yourself, mark your calendars for the return of The Hat Club’s Crawfish Salute on Thursday, April 11, at Dickey-Stephens Park from 5:30-9:30 p.m.

The event is now in its 13th year, and at the 2024 bash, guests will enjoy all-you-can-eat crawfish with all the fixin’s, as well as beer, wine, cocktails, entertainment, giveaways and more.

The Hat Club is a nonprofit that helps other charitable organizations through fundraising, community service and philanthropic events like the Hat Club Classic and Chili Fights in The Heights.

Each year, the Crawfish Salute sets its sights on a local organization, and this year the event will salute (and benefit) the UAMS Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

For more info, visit the Facebook event page, or click here to purchase tickets. You can also check out The Hat Club website for details on the nonprofit, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

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3 Irish Whiskeys to Sip for St. Patrick’s Day

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Rick Barrett | Unsplash

While it’s slightly underrated in America, Irish whiskey deserves a spot as the focal point of a proper St. Patrick’s Day celebration. It’s a versatile spirit, adding depth to cocktails or perfect for sipping by itself.

Want to raise a glass? The pros at Colonial Wines & Spirits are helping us get to know a few excellent examples of the spirit of Eire:

• Jameson Black Barrel is a perfect choice for those who like their whiskey rich and complex. Butterscotch, fudge and toffee intrigue the nose, while the palate is full of nuts, spice and vanilla. Toasted wood and vanilla follow on the finish.

• Bushmills Original pours from five years of aging in bourbon and sherry casks into your glass smooth and warming. This whiskey is approachable and mature with fresh fruit and vanilla notes.

• Tullamore D.E.W. combines grain whiskey, malt whiskey and pot still whiskey for a unique balance of flavors. Sweet fruit and spice notes combine in this cask-matured expression of the distiller’s art.

If you’ve never tried Irish whiskey, you’re in for a treat. And of course, Irish whiskey isn’t just for “the Wearin’ o’ the Green.” All three of these picks make a terrific addition to any home bar.

Cheers, friends!

Click here for more St. Patrick’s Day sips.