A ‘Sparkling Wonderland’

LIGHTS OF THE OZARKS TRANSFORMS DOWNTOWN FAYETTEVILLE

We see lights in other cities that stand out,” says Godwin-Charles Ogbeide, ticking off names of cities such as Las Vegas and New York City. “But these beat them all.” He may have a little hometown bias, but it’s hard to question the enthusiasm in Ogbeide’s voice when he waxes poetic about the Lights of the Ozarks, the lighting display that will, starting on Saturday evening, illuminate the Fayetteville square.

‘Christmas Story’ A Classic

FSLT PLAY TAKES FAMILIES BACK TO SIMPLER TIME

Maybe we all didn’t want a BB gun for Christmas, but I remember when I wanted mine,” says Jim Moody.

’TIS THE SEASON

PARADES AND PLAYS RING IN HOLIDAYS ACROSS THE REGION

It may not even be Thanksgiving yet, but there is little denying that the Christmas season is on the way, with holiday music being piped into stores everywhere. Let’s not forget the Christmas events, though, as a myriad of activities are beginning in the area. Here is a list of a few of the activities that can get Scrooges everywhere in the spirit.

ON THE MENU All Green, All The Time

NEW LOCATION STILL FOCUSED ON ECO-FRIENDLY FOOD

Local makes sense,” says Clayton Suttle, standing in a restaurant filled with local produce, local decor and local recipes.

LISTEN HERE! Symphony Goes On Record

‘DEAN OF COMPOSERS’ GRADUATES TO COMMERCIAL SUCCESS

It’s a big deal to have a symphony recording at all, says John Jeter, musical director and conductor of the Fort Smith Symphony.

WEEKEND NOTES

Listen Here!

FAMILY FRIENDLY A Wolf In Wolf’s Clothing

TOURING MUSICAL COMEDY COMES TO WALTON ARTS CENTER WITH A MESSAGE

Not every actor would appreciate being called “slimy” in a review. And that’s not how Jon Gentry sees his character in “Peter and the Wolf.” “I tend to think of him as very urbane and suave,” says Gentry, one of the eight-man touring company coming to the Walton Arts Center Saturday. “There are a couple of points where he gets a little angry, but he’s not a mean, snarly wolf at all.” Still, the veteran actor admits, “I have made one kid leave the theater crying.” Of course, the Arizona Republic critic also called Gentry’s performance “stellar” when Childsplay debuted the musical comedy in its hometown of Tempe.

LOOK HERE! Paper Baggin’ It

SACKS BRING FOOD TO FOLKS IN NEW WAY

Alot of times in life, seemingly unrelated occurrences or experiences — sometimes years and great distances apart — will connect and combine — sometimes suddenly — into an entirely new creation.

Past And Present Interwoven

BASKETMAKER SHOWS NEW WORK AT FAYETTEVILLE UNDERGROUND

Leon Niehues’ baskets have been featured in The New York Times and exhibited at the White House. He’s been declared an Arkansas Living Treasure by the state Department of Heritage, and his peers voted him one of the top 28 fiber artists working in the “new basket” form in the United States.

Just Being Himself

CARMEN PREACHES THE GOSPEL ON HIS TERMS

Carman in concert” was not going to work on the marquee. Neither was something that touted a Carman lecture.

AT THE MOVIES OUT IN THEATERS

‘2012’ An epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors. With John Cusack, Amanda Peet. (PG-13 ) ‘COCO BEFORE CHANEL ’ The story of Coco Chanel's rise from obscure beginnings to the heights of the fashion world. With Audrey Tautou.

ARTS AWAY!

“Arts Away!” spotlights entertainment events in the Mid-South region. For further information on the events, please call the numbers listed.

CULTURE CUES ‘Camelot’ Still Magical

TOURING PRODUCTION STOPS TONIGHT IN FORT SMITH

Although there are many versions, for theatergoers “Camelot” defines the legend of the boy king Arthur, his blushing bride Guenevere and the magic of a land where chivalry and honor reigned.

Big Sound, Small Budget

BRITISH BRASS BAND PLAYS FOR LOVE, NOT MONEY

It’s a big sound with a tiny budget: The musicians that make up the Ozark Mountains British Brass Band play everything from cornet to tuba, all of them — even conductor Daniel Hodge — without remuneration.

FAMILY FRIENDLY AT THE LIBRARY IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Bella Vista Library 11 Dickens Place 855-1753 Until Dec. 5 — Letters from Santa, $6 Today — 9:30 a.m. Stories with Miss Kathryn (children) Saturday — 10 a.m. Bedtime Stories for Moms: “Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books” by Azar Nafi si (adults) Monday — 6 p.m. Teen Book Club: “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak (teens) Wednesday — 3 p.m. Brainteasers (adults) Wednesday — 9:30 a.m. F.O.L. Book Club: “The Woman Who Wouldn't Talk” by Susan McDougal (adults) Bentonville Public Library 405 S Main St.