Non-Profit Spotlight

Nonprofit Spotlight

words Catherine Frederick with Jessie Burrows, Fort Smith Downtown Business Association

The Fort Smith Downtown Business

Association mission is to develop and promote the downtown area as

a culmination of services, shopping,

entertainment, dining, history,

and values of tradition within our

community. Do South ® reached out to

Jessie Burrows, Fort Smith Downtown Business Association Executive Secretary, to learn more.

PO Box 1153 Fort Smith, AR 72902 479.414.2036 godowntownfs.org

Next month, we’ll showcase another worthy charity in our area free of charge. If you have a nonprofit you’d like to see recognized, email us at catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

DS: Tell us about the new distrx mobile app and how it impacts our community. FSDBA: Distrx is a free, location-aware mobile app. As mobile users enter our district, downtown Fort Smith, they receive a welcome greeting, and the app opens to reveal everything a visitor wants to know about our community: area events, parking locations, local attractions, map, and a business directory by category! The app also powers historic walking tours and other “apptivities” to engage visitors and invite them to participate in the community including local events.

DS: How can our community get involved and support Fort Smith Downtown Business Association? FSDBA: We are always looking for volunteers and for events and those interested in serving on a committee. You can reach out on our social media platforms or email us at info@godowntownfs.org.

DS: Are there any upcoming events our readers should know about? FSDBA: One of the best ways to support downtown is to SHOP! It has been said, when you spend LOCAL your dollar is circulated multiple times locally. Small Business Saturday is a national program promoting the importance of shopping local, and downtown Fort Smith offers a unique shopping experience. Shop the Avenue on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to support the great small business owners and receive multiple discounts and chances to register to win gift certificates and more.

Christmas Kick-off with the Tree Lighting and Santa House in Pendergraft Park Get in the Christmas spirit by gathering at Pendergraft Park to enjoy caroling, Selfies with Santa and the spectacular lighting of the beautiful Christmas tree. This is a growing event in that each year there are more lights, more decorated reindeer and more fun things to do.

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop returned to downtown Fort Smith in 2018. Spectators of all ages joined in the fun on Garrison Avenue to count down the final minutes of 2018 and cheered the New Year with a wonderful firework display from the top of the Ward Garrison Building and at the river. This is a family friendly event with lots of parking available. Bring your chairs and enjoy the entertainment. For those wanting a more formal event with adult beverages, the VIP area is available. Enjoy the historical ambiance with a backdrop of local talent both musically and culinary. Pop the champagne and ring in the new year in style!