The Christmas season has officially begun in Forrest City!
The Annual 2025 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, held on November 30th and hosted by the Forrest City Downtown Revitalization Project, was a tremendous success. From the lively Ugly Sweater Contest to the heartwarming Reading in the Park, to Mr. Donald Blankenship showcasing his festively decorated vintage pickup truck, and of course Santa’s special visit that brought smiles to so many children—this year’s celebration was truly memorable.
A special thank-you goes to sisters Jenny Dearman and Susan Berry for performing the official tree lighting. Your participation added a meaningful and personal touch to this year’s event.
We invite everyone to take a moment this season to drive by the corner of Washington and Front Street to enjoy the beautifully lit Christmas tree, which now stands as a symbol of community pride, unity, and holiday cheer.
The City of Forrest City extends its sincere appreciation to all who attended, volunteered, and supported this festive occasion. May this holiday season bring joy, peace, and togetherness to every home in our community.
The Annual 2025 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, held on November 30th and hosted by the Forrest City Downtown Revitalization Project, was a tremendous success. From the lively Ugly Sweater Contest to the heartwarming Reading in the Park, to Mr. Donald Blankenship showcasing his festively decorated vintage pickup truck, and of course Santa’s special visit that brought smiles to so many children—this year’s celebration was truly memorable.
A special thank-you goes to sisters Jenny Dearman and Susan Berry for performing the official tree lighting. Your participation added a meaningful and personal touch to this year’s event.
We invite everyone to take a moment this season to drive by the corner of Washington and Front Street to enjoy the beautifully lit Christmas tree, which now stands as a symbol of community pride, unity, and holiday cheer.
The City of Forrest City extends its sincere appreciation to all who attended, volunteered, and supported this festive occasion. May this holiday season bring joy, peace, and togetherness to every home in our community.
The City of Forrest City wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to all basketball teams, coaches, families, and visitors who attended the 28th Annual Rumble on the Ridge Tournament over the Thanksgiving holiday. Your enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and continued support contributed greatly to the success of this year’s event.
We extend our congratulations to Little Rock Hall Boys, recipients of 1st Place in the Boys Division, and to the Earle Lady Bulldogs, winners of 1st Place in the Girls Division. Both teams demonstrated exceptional skill, discipline, and teamwork throughout the tournament.
We would also like to recognize all participating teams—along with our own Forrest City Mustangs Boys and Girls Teams—for their commitment, effort, and competitive excellence. Your dedication to the sport sustains the enduring tradition of this tournament.
Our gratitude is further extended to the volunteers, staff, sponsors, and community members whose contributions were instrumental in making this event possible. Forrest City is honored to host such a distinguished gathering of athletes, supporters, and community partners each year.
Photo Cred: Cam Images
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the 29th Annual Rumble on the Ridge next year.
We extend our congratulations to Little Rock Hall Boys, recipients of 1st Place in the Boys Division, and to the Earle Lady Bulldogs, winners of 1st Place in the Girls Division. Both teams demonstrated exceptional skill, discipline, and teamwork throughout the tournament.
We would also like to recognize all participating teams—along with our own Forrest City Mustangs Boys and Girls Teams—for their commitment, effort, and competitive excellence. Your dedication to the sport sustains the enduring tradition of this tournament.
Our gratitude is further extended to the volunteers, staff, sponsors, and community members whose contributions were instrumental in making this event possible. Forrest City is honored to host such a distinguished gathering of athletes, supporters, and community partners each year.
Photo Cred: Cam Images
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the 29th Annual Rumble on the Ridge next year.
The Larry S. Bryant Multipurpose Youth Wildcats will present a Community Christmas Family Fun Night, Saturday, December 13th starting at 3 p.m. The Fun Night will feature food, a movie and a visit from Santa. Organizers are also taking donations of toys and new or gently used coats. Donations can be dropped off at the Multipurpose Center or at Central Elementary School (see Coach Jarvis Palmer). For more information, contact Angela at 870-551-1212.
The public is invited to come out to honor and celebrate the legacy of Frank Shaw III with the official renaming of Happy Hollow Drive in Forrest City as Frank Shaw Drive. The ceremony will be held Saturday (12/6) at 12 p.m. on Happy Hollow Drive. Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony at Beth Salem Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on Garland Street in Forrest City
The SFC Elves, Inc., 2025 Toy Project is now underway.
The SFC Elves, Inc., Toy Project is locally operated, and all toys are distributed to local children.
Last year toys were provided to over 500 needy children from the Forrest City/St. Francis County area. Many of these children would not have had toys for Christmas if not for this project.
SFC Elves, Inc. would ask local residents to keep this campaign in mind as we enter the holiday season and begin this busy time of year.
Toys may be delivered to the following locations:
1. Southern Furniture, 4000 North Washington, Forrest City.
2. Beavers & Cline, 523 East Broadway, Forrest City.
3. St. Francis County Museum, 603 Front Street, Forrest City.
4. Forrest City Public Library, 421 S. Washington St., Forrest City.
5. First National Bank of Eastern Arkansas - North Washington Branch.
6. Forrest City Chamber of Commerce- 203 N. Izard St., Forrest City.
It is not necessary that the toys contributed to be new. They should be in working order and in clean condition. Children served by this project are thrilled to receive any toy.
Of course, new toys and monetary donations will also be welcomed. Money donations may be taken to any of the above locations.
For more information, contact Kirk Billingsley at (901) 218-3955 or Justin Reeves at (870) 630-7486.
The SFC Elves, Inc., Toy Project is locally operated, and all toys are distributed to local children.
Last year toys were provided to over 500 needy children from the Forrest City/St. Francis County area. Many of these children would not have had toys for Christmas if not for this project.
SFC Elves, Inc. would ask local residents to keep this campaign in mind as we enter the holiday season and begin this busy time of year.
Toys may be delivered to the following locations:
1. Southern Furniture, 4000 North Washington, Forrest City.
2. Beavers & Cline, 523 East Broadway, Forrest City.
3. St. Francis County Museum, 603 Front Street, Forrest City.
4. Forrest City Public Library, 421 S. Washington St., Forrest City.
5. First National Bank of Eastern Arkansas - North Washington Branch.
6. Forrest City Chamber of Commerce- 203 N. Izard St., Forrest City.
It is not necessary that the toys contributed to be new. They should be in working order and in clean condition. Children served by this project are thrilled to receive any toy.
Of course, new toys and monetary donations will also be welcomed. Money donations may be taken to any of the above locations.
For more information, contact Kirk Billingsley at (901) 218-3955 or Justin Reeves at (870) 630-7486.
The City of Forrest City will be hosting its Cocoa Bar again this year.
City officials say that the Cocoa Bar will be set up at City Hall during the Christmas Parade, which is scheduled for Friday, December 5th staring at 7 p.m.
Everyone’s invited to stop by and warm up with a delicious cup of hot cocoa, topped with marshmallows, whipped cream and plenty of holiday cheer.
City officials say that the Cocoa Bar will be set up at City Hall during the Christmas Parade, which is scheduled for Friday, December 5th staring at 7 p.m.
Everyone’s invited to stop by and warm up with a delicious cup of hot cocoa, topped with marshmallows, whipped cream and plenty of holiday cheer.
The University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College will hold a kids Holiday Art & Crafts Workshop, Saturday, December 6th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Classroom Building 1.
Kids in grades Kindergarten through 6th grade are invited to come out for a fun-filled day of creativity, with hands-on holiday crafts, art projects and festive activities.
The cost for the workshop is $75.
To register your child or for more information, call 870-633-4480, ext. 333.
Kids in grades Kindergarten through 6th grade are invited to come out for a fun-filled day of creativity, with hands-on holiday crafts, art projects and festive activities.
The cost for the workshop is $75.
To register your child or for more information, call 870-633-4480, ext. 333.
Join us for the Forrest City Public Library’s Book Sale on Monday, December 1! Fill a bag with any books you like for only $3.00.
The City of Forrest City extends its warmest wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving to all residents and visitors. May this day bring peace, gratitude, and meaningful time with loved ones.
📢 Public Works Department Holiday Closure
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Public Works Department will be closed on Thursday, November 27th, and Friday, November 28th.
We will resume normal business hours on Monday, December 1st.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday!
— Darin Flenoy and the entire Public Works Department
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Public Works Department will be closed on Thursday, November 27th, and Friday, November 28th.
We will resume normal business hours on Monday, December 1st.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday!
— Darin Flenoy and the entire Public Works Department
The SFC Elves, Inc., 2025 Toy Project is now underway.
The SFC Elves, Inc., Toy Project is locally operated, and all toys are distributed to local children.
Last year toys were provided to over 500 needy children from the Forrest City/St. Francis County area. Many of these children would not have had toys for Christmas if not for this project.
SFC Elves, Inc. would ask local residents to keep this campaign in mind as we enter the holiday season and begin this busy time of year.
Toys may be delivered to the following locations:
1. Southern Furniture, 4000 North Washington, Forrest City.
2. Beavers & Cline, 523 East Broadway, Forrest City.
3. St. Francis County Museum, 603 Front Street, Forrest City.
4. Forrest City Public Library, 421 S. Washington St., Forrest City.
5. First National Bank of Eastern Arkansas - North Washington Branch.
6. Forrest City Chamber of Commerce- 203 N. Izard St., Forrest City.
It is not necessary that the toys contributed to be new. They should be in working order and in clean condition. Children served by this project are thrilled to receive any toy.
Of course, new toys and monetary donations will also be welcomed. Money donations may be taken to any of the above locations.
For more information, contact Kirk Billingsley at (901) 218-3955 or Justin Reeves at (870) 630-7486.
The SFC Elves, Inc., Toy Project is locally operated, and all toys are distributed to local children.
Last year toys were provided to over 500 needy children from the Forrest City/St. Francis County area. Many of these children would not have had toys for Christmas if not for this project.
SFC Elves, Inc. would ask local residents to keep this campaign in mind as we enter the holiday season and begin this busy time of year.
Toys may be delivered to the following locations:
1. Southern Furniture, 4000 North Washington, Forrest City.
2. Beavers & Cline, 523 East Broadway, Forrest City.
3. St. Francis County Museum, 603 Front Street, Forrest City.
4. Forrest City Public Library, 421 S. Washington St., Forrest City.
5. First National Bank of Eastern Arkansas - North Washington Branch.
6. Forrest City Chamber of Commerce- 203 N. Izard St., Forrest City.
It is not necessary that the toys contributed to be new. They should be in working order and in clean condition. Children served by this project are thrilled to receive any toy.
Of course, new toys and monetary donations will also be welcomed. Money donations may be taken to any of the above locations.
For more information, contact Kirk Billingsley at (901) 218-3955 or Justin Reeves at (870) 630-7486.
The City of Forrest City will be hosting its Cocoa Bar again this year.
City officials say that the Cocoa Bar will be set up at City Hall during the Christmas Parade, which is scheduled for Friday, December 5th staring at 7 p.m.
Everyone’s invited to stop by and warm up with a delicious cup of hot cocoa, topped with marshmallows, whipped cream and plenty of holiday cheer.
City officials say that the Cocoa Bar will be set up at City Hall during the Christmas Parade, which is scheduled for Friday, December 5th staring at 7 p.m.
Everyone’s invited to stop by and warm up with a delicious cup of hot cocoa, topped with marshmallows, whipped cream and plenty of holiday cheer.
The St. Francis County Food Pantry will be closed today (11/21) through Wednesday to prepare for Thanksgiving dinners.
Food Pantry officials invite anyone in need of a Thanksgiving meal to visit the pantry at 128 S. Water Street in Forrest City on Thanksgiving Day (11/27) starting at 11 a.m. Serving will continue until all the food is gone.
Additionally, area first responders will begin delivering meals to the shut-in and elderly starting Thursday at 10 a.m.
Food Pantry officials invite anyone in need of a Thanksgiving meal to visit the pantry at 128 S. Water Street in Forrest City on Thanksgiving Day (11/27) starting at 11 a.m. Serving will continue until all the food is gone.
Additionally, area first responders will begin delivering meals to the shut-in and elderly starting Thursday at 10 a.m.
A USDA Food Distribution will be held Thursday, Nov. 20th at two locations in St. Francis County.
--Larry Bryant Multipurpose Center in Forrest City from 8-10 a.m.
--Palestine City Hall from 9-11 a.m.
To receive USDA Foods, attendees must live in the county of distribution and meet income guidelines based on household size.
For more information, contact the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas at 870-932-3663
--Larry Bryant Multipurpose Center in Forrest City from 8-10 a.m.
--Palestine City Hall from 9-11 a.m.
To receive USDA Foods, attendees must live in the county of distribution and meet income guidelines based on household size.
For more information, contact the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas at 870-932-3663
The City of Forrest City will be hosting its Cocoa Bar again this year.
City officials say that the Cocoa Bar will be set up at City Hall during the Christmas Parade, which is scheduled for Friday, December 5th staring at 7 p.m.
Everyone’s invited to stop by and warm up with a delicious cup of hot cocoa, topped with marshmallows, whipped cream and plenty of holiday cheer.
City officials say that the Cocoa Bar will be set up at City Hall during the Christmas Parade, which is scheduled for Friday, December 5th staring at 7 p.m.
Everyone’s invited to stop by and warm up with a delicious cup of hot cocoa, topped with marshmallows, whipped cream and plenty of holiday cheer.
The City of Forrest City Recreational Department will host a Chili Day this Saturday (11/22) at the Larry Bryant Multipurpose Center.
The event is free and will start at 12 p.m. and continue until the food supply runs out.
The department is also collecting gently used or new coats, jackets and hoodies to help those in need this season. You can also support by donating or purchasing hats or gloves. Officials say every contribution makes a difference.
For more information, contact Jarvis Palmer at the Multipurpose Center at 870-633-3667.
The event is free and will start at 12 p.m. and continue until the food supply runs out.
The department is also collecting gently used or new coats, jackets and hoodies to help those in need this season. You can also support by donating or purchasing hats or gloves. Officials say every contribution makes a difference.
For more information, contact Jarvis Palmer at the Multipurpose Center at 870-633-3667.
FYI
A benefit program honoring Forrest City native and community leader Derrick Spearmon will be held Friday (11/21) at 6:30 p.m. at the Forrest City Civic Center.
Derrick is currently facing some serious health challenges, which has forced him to leave the career that he loved and was so passionate about.
While employed with the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, Derrick helped individuals in St. Francis, Lee, Phillips, Monroe, Cross, Crittenden and Craighead counties obtain gainful employment and get financial stability.
Organizers are asking anyone who benefited from this young man’s diligence in the community or who just wants to support a person who was selfless in helping others, to bring a card of thanks and a donation to help support Derrick in his fight for life.
Again, the benefit program for Mr. Derrick Spearmon will be Friday (11/21) at 6:30 p.m. in the Ferguson Room at the Forrest City Civic Center.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation announced Tuesday (11/18) that it will temporarily close ramps on Interstate 40 in St. Francis and Crittenden counties this week.
The closures began last (Tuesday) night and are scheduled intermittently from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the following dates:
--Wednesday, Nov. 19, to Thursday, Nov. 20
--Thursday, Nov. 20, to Friday, Nov. 21
Crews will close the following off-ramps in two-hour intervals to test ARDOT’s wrong-way detection systems:
St. Francis County
--Interstate 40 westbound, Exit 243 (Rest Area), east of Forrest City
Crittenden County
--Interstate 40 westbound, Exit 275
--Interstate 40 eastbound, Exit 279A
--Interstate 40 westbound, Exit 279A
--Interstate 40 westbound, Exit 5
--Interstate 40 eastbound, Exit 280
--Interstate 40 westbound, Exit 280
According to Tuesday’s news release, only one ramp will be closed at a time, with plans to complete three to four ramps per night.
More information can be found at IdriveArkansas.com.
The closures began last (Tuesday) night and are scheduled intermittently from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the following dates:
--Wednesday, Nov. 19, to Thursday, Nov. 20
--Thursday, Nov. 20, to Friday, Nov. 21
Crews will close the following off-ramps in two-hour intervals to test ARDOT’s wrong-way detection systems:
St. Francis County
--Interstate 40 westbound, Exit 243 (Rest Area), east of Forrest City
Crittenden County
--Interstate 40 westbound, Exit 275
--Interstate 40 eastbound, Exit 279A
--Interstate 40 westbound, Exit 279A
--Interstate 40 westbound, Exit 5
--Interstate 40 eastbound, Exit 280
--Interstate 40 westbound, Exit 280
According to Tuesday’s news release, only one ramp will be closed at a time, with plans to complete three to four ramps per night.
More information can be found at IdriveArkansas.com.
The City of Forrest City Recreational Department will host a Chili Day on November 22, 2025 at the Forrest City Multipurpose Center, starting at 12 PM and going until it’s all gone!
We are also collecting gently used or new coats, jackets, and hoodies to help those in need this season. You can also support by donating or purchasing hats or gloves. Every contribution makes a difference!
For more information, please contact Javris Palmer.
We are also collecting gently used or new coats, jackets, and hoodies to help those in need this season. You can also support by donating or purchasing hats or gloves. Every contribution makes a difference!
For more information, please contact Javris Palmer.
FYI Forrest City Public Library
