Community information

Community Briefs June 2026

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Section: Library/Friends News

Reading Program Begins

The annual Elkins Public Library is launching its annual reading program soon, and you won’t want to miss it! The sessions are 10am every Thursday at the Elkins Community Center. 

Here is the schedule as it stands now: 

  • June 4: A special storytime with Rapunzel and  Batman. They will also be available for photos afterward! 
  • June 11: Amazeum workshop: Design-a-saur. Imagine and create your own unique dinosaur.  
  • June 18: George Reader’s magic show is here to amaze! 
  • June 25: Happy Hooves Hideaway is bringing some sweet friends out for a meet-and-greet and carriage rides. 
  • July 2: Terra Studios will have a fun make-and-take craft to share. 
  • July 9: Ventriloquist Doug Mickan’s fun, interactive puppet show. 
  • July 16: Nature STEAM’s hands-on “Rooted in Reading”  workshop explores similarities between gardening and reading.
  • July 23: The University of Arkansas Entero-Roadshow 

 

Donations for Lockers

The Elkins Public Library is seeking donations to help fund new lockers that it plans to place outside to create an after-hours pick-up point for patrons who can’t make it during regular business hours. Contact the Library for more information and to donate. 

 

Butterfly Education

The Elkins Public Library and Master Gardeners are partnering for an educational session about butterflies. More details are coming soon, but we have been told it’s 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, June 6. Watch the Library Facebook page for more information as it becomes available. 

 

Voting for Dinosaurs

The Washington County Election Commission will present a kid-friendly voting experience covering all the steps of the process then the participating kids will vote for their favorite dinosaur. Participants will learn how voting works, use a real voting machine, print out a real ballot, and see which dinosaur wins. The event is 1pm on Wednesday, July 1, at the Library. 

 

Section: Business News

Medical Donations

Elkins Complete Care is currently collecting gently used medical equipment to help support individuals and families in need right here in our area.

If you have items like crutches, braces, or arm slings, your donation could make a real difference for someone else. Donations are being collected at Elkins Complete Care, GTS Physical Therapy, Rise Physical Therapy in Fayetteville, and the Elkins Senior Wellness and Activity Center. For more information, contact Elkins Complete Care at contact@elkinscompletecare.com. 

 

Cruise Night at Food Plot

The Food Plot will host its next Cruise Night with cars, food, and live music, from 6pm to 8pm, Thursday, June 4, at the food truck court. All vehicles are welcome.  Live music starts at 6:30pm

 

Nellie B’s Summer School 

Nellie B’s Bakery is introducing its first Kids in the Kitchen Summer Camp Series. From breads and cakes to kitchen science, foodie fake outs, cookie decorating, and sweet summer memories — this summer is all about hands-on creativity in the kitchen. Campers will bake, decorate, experiment, learn real kitchen skills, and take home their creations each day!

There will be six themed camp weeks and participants can choose individual weeks or save with camp packs. All supplies & ingredients included and all the camps will be hosted at The Bake Shop in Elkins. Spots are limited and registration is open at https://www.nelliebs.com/events. 

Daylight Reopens

The Daylight Donuts on Highway 74 has new owners and has reopened. That’s all the info we were able to gather before press time! We hope to see them on Facebook soon so we can share more on social media. 

 

Salt and Light Open House

Salt and Light Beauty House will host an open house from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, June 26, with several local businesses participating including Six Arrows Coffee, Trevel Young Photography, Forever Jewelry By Shelby Permanent jewelry bar, and  Whimsy Wheels Catering. 

 

Section: Church News

Good Neighbor Pantry 

The Good Neighbor Pantry at First Baptist Church of Elkins needs your help 

There are particular items that they have not been able to get and are frequently requested by those utilizing the pantry, which is open 8am to 12noon every second Saturday of the month. 

They need the following items: 

  • Prenatal Vitamins 
  • Diapers 
  • Yogurt 
  • Cheese 
  • Bread 
  • Cooking Oil 

Donations can be placed in the Blessing Box located in the church gym or contact us at fbcelkins@yahoo.com.

DIY Craft Night

Round Mountain Community Church will host its next DIY Craft Night at 6:30pm on Monday, June 8, at the church. Sign up by contacting the church. The DIY Craft nights are for all ages, are free, and supplies are included. 

 

Crosses Church Camp

Crosses Community Church will offer Church Camp for ages 8 through high school June 22-25. Cost is $75 per camper. Contact Jana Eaton for more information at 479.387.6786. 

VBS Ads

Each year, most churches in our area host a Vacation Bible School for local children. ECN generally does not publish these dates in the newsletter unless the church purchases an ad for the VBS dates. This policy is because of the sheer volume of programs that are all around the same time, and we simply don’t have room for all of them. We do, however, share the VBS information on Facebook as soon as we see the church share the information. Churches are also welcome to submit the event to our community calendar on ElkinsAr.org. Please contact us at info@elkinsar.org if you would like to purchase an ad to promote your VBS program.

 

Section: Community News

Rooted in Reading

NatureSteam will host Rooted in Reading: Nature Glows workshop series in collaboration with public libraries across Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley!

Join them for a hands-on exploration where they’ll unravel the mysteries of things in nature that glow and the similarities between root systems and our own communities. 

Whether you’re a budding gardener or a curious explorer, there’s something for everyone to discover. Check out the Naturesteam Facebook page for the full schedule. The Elkins Library event is on July 16. 

Pokeswap June 6

The next Elkins-Area PokeSwap is 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, June 6, at Elkins Public Library. A snack and craft will be provided.  

 

Terra Studios Events

June at Terra Studios is filled with events and classes for most ages! You can find the schedule, details, and register for the classes at usingart.org. 

 

The June schedule so far includes: 

  • June 11: Artist Demo with Stephanie Yates, 12-4pm
  • June 13: Open Enrollment Class: Stained Glass Mushrooms, 11am and 2pm
  • June 21: Open Enrollment Class: Big Mouth Creature, 1pm and 3pm
  • June 25: Artist Demo with Stephanie Yates, 12-4pm
  • June 27: Open Enrollment Class: Pinch Pot, 3pm
  • June 28: Artist Demo with Makayla Long, 11:30am and 3:30pm.

 

I Voted Contest

Washington County is hosting the 2026 “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest and entry forms are available on the Washington County Election Commission website or a print version at Elkins Public Library. The contest is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade in Washington County and the winner’s artwork will be used during upcoming election, social media, and election materials. The deadline is June 12 (library pickup is June 11). 

 

7 on 7 Football

The deadline to register for 7-on-7 Youth Football is June 20. It is for rising 4th-6th graders and rosters are limited. Contact elkinsyouthfootball58@gmail.com or the Elkins Elks Youth Football organization on Facebook for more information. 

 

Senior Bingo July 25

The Elkins Senior Wellness and Activity Center’s Meals on Wheels Bingo Fundraiser is Saturday, July 25, at the Elkins Community Center. The doors open at 11am and bingo starts at noon. The event is open to all ages. Cash and check are the only forms of payment accepted. COst is $10 per person to enter and each person receives a book of 10 bingo games and one blackout games. Additional books can be purchased for $5 and additional blackout games are $1. Raffle tickets will be sold at 1 for $5 or 3 for $10. Winners receive half the pot. Pork sandwich lunches will be sold for $8 (includes chips and water). BBQ pork nachos and water will be $10. Cookies will also be available for 1 for $1 or 3 for $2. 

Elks Youth Football

The 2026 youth football registration is coming soon! The deadline to register and receive a personalized game jersey is July 18. Payment must be received by then. The registration link is: https://forms.gle/vGtrUg54NVs78ayn6. Practices begin in July with the schedule to be announced. This program is for second through sixth graders. The Elkins Community Clinic has $10 sports physicals, which must be scheduled through that clinic. 

 

Section: 4th of July News

4th on the River

The City of Elkins will host its annual 4th on the River celebration on July 3 at Bunch Park. Organizers are still seeking sponsors to help cover the cost of fireworks. Contact JD DeMotte at the City offices to sponsor or get more information. The City’s Parks and Recreation Committee is also seeking sponsors to support the Kid Zone, which they hope to include bouncy houses in. The event will include local food trucks, the Lions’ Club concessions stand, vendors, fireworks after dark, and lots of fun! 

Crosses Church Celebration

The Crosses Community Church Annual Freedom Celebration will include hot dogs and homemade ice cream at 8pm and fireworks at 9:15pm (or at dark). The event is Wednesday, July 1, at the church. 

 

Fireworks Laws

Fireworks are only allowed to be shot off 8am to 11pm on July 1-5 each year, according to City of Elkins ordinances. Fireworks can only be displayed or shown on display from noon on June 20 to 9pm on July 10 without the Mayor’s approval (or the mayor’s designee). 

 

Wesley Horseshoe Tournament

The Annual 4th of July Horseshoe Tournament will be held at the Rose Mountain Horseshoe Pits, which are located at 1383 Madison 6341 in Wesley. All proceeds go to the community. The cost is $10 per person for singles and $20 per team for doubles. Registration begins at 8am. Concessions, door prizes, and raffles will be available. Contact Darcy Smith through Facebook Messenger or by phone at 479.225.7822 for more information. 

 

Section: City of Elkins News

Open committee spots

The City of Elkins has several open positions on its various committees. There are three positions open on the Water/Sewer Committee, which the City Council is considering changing to include more infrastructure and a different name. There is one position available on the Planning Commission. The Water/Sewer Committee meets at 6:30pm every second Thursday of the month and Planning Commission meets 7pm every first Monday of the month. Contact the City of Elkins offices to apply. 

 

Section: Neighbor News

 

Japton Car Show/Swap Meet

There will be a Car Show and Swap Meet on June 20 to raise money for Japton Community Park. There is a $25 fee per vehicle, which is due at check-in. Trophies will be awarded for each class. Check-in starts at.  10am and judging is at 12noon. 12x12 spaces are available for swap meet booths at $25 per booth. Set-up begins at 9am.

 

St. Paul FCCLA spaghetti dinner

The St. Paul FCCLA will host a fundraiser homemade spaghetti dinner and auction 5pm to 8pm on Saturday, June 6, at the St. Paul High School Gym. All proceeds support the St. Paul FCCLA organization traveling to the National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. this July.