Section: Business News
Blood Drive May 29
Medical Arts Pharmacy in south Fayetteville will host a blood drive from 10am to 2pm on Friday, May 29. Walk-ins are welcome, but it will help the schedule if you make an appointment to donate. Visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/ and follow the directions to find the blood drive by zip code. Those who donate on that day will receive a red and white beach towel, while supplies last.
Mahjong Mom’s Night Out
Nellie B’s Bakery will host a Mahjong Mom’s Night out with Lindsey Fraser (Mahjong Mama NWA) for a night out celebrating all the Moms, regardless if you’re a mom of humans, fur mom, or bring your mom! With two options of play, there will be lots of Mahjong, lots of laughs, lots of fun, and prizes. The event will be 5:30pm to 8:30pm, on Thursday, May 7, with the first 30 minutes being all about mingling and getting your food, then lessons and open play. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/mahjongmamanwa.
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 first Cruise Night with cars, food, and music, from 6pm to 8pm, Thursday, May 7, at the food truck court. All vehicles are welcome.
Summer Horse Camp
Summer Horse Camp is back at Thunder Mountain Ranch. Their June camp is already full, but as of this writing, they still have some spots left for the July 13-17 camp (10am to 4pm). The cost is $400 per rider ($25 non-refundable deposit) and participants will learn basic riding techniques, horse care and grooming, confidence in the saddle, trail-riding skills, and vet care basics. This camp is recommended for ages 8-16. Contact Thunder Mountain to reserve your spot at 479.841.1730.
Celebrating 6 Months
Sword and Tower Games will celebrate being open for six months 2pm to 9pm on Friday, May 1, with discounts and lots of fun.
Elkins Business Alliance
The Elkins Business Alliance is an informal group of local business owners and city personnel who are working together to form the first Elkins (AR) Chamber of Commerce. The next meeting is 6pm on Monday, May 11, at Six Arrows Farm and Gifts.
Section: City of Elkins News
EPD Poker run
The Elkins Police Department will host its annual Buggy Ride and Poker Run at 9am on Saturday, May 2, starting at the Combs Cafe and General Store. The cost is $25 per hand or five hands for $100. The proceeds support the Shop with a Cop program.
City Cleanup
The annual City of Elkins Bulk Cleanup will be 8am to 4:30pm Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2, at the Elkins Community Center. Proof of residency will be required.
Section: Library/Friends News
Book Bedazzling
The Friends of Elkins Public Library will host a book bedazzling event 6pm to 8pm on Saturday, May 16, at the Library. Registration is required on Eventbrite. Bring your own book to bedazzle or purchase one from the Friends bookshelf. Bedazzling supplies will be provided, and refreshments will be available for purchase.
Garden Tea Party
The Friends of Elkins Public Library will host a Garden Tea Party 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, May 30, at the Library. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and are $20 per adult. First child is free and each additional child is $10. Tickets include a craft with Art Cart, refreshments, and a picture opportunity in a book-themed scene. Contact the library for more information.
Friends Meeting May 4
The next Friends of Elkins Public Library meeting will be 6pm on Monday, May 4, at the Library.
Section: Church News
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.
Pancake Breakfast
The First Baptist Church of Elkins Youth Pancake Breakfast will be from 7am to 11am on Saturday, May 9, at the church. The proceeds go towards sending the youth to Camp Siloam.
Laundry Soap Drive
First Southern Baptist Church in Goshen is hosting a laundry soap drive to support Loads of Hope from May 1-31. Unscented laundry soap can be dropped off at the church porch during the week or brought to the church during service times.
Mother’s Day Luncheon
First Southern Baptist Church of Goshen will host a Mother’s Day Luncheon at 11am on May 2 at the church. Contact the church for more details. All ladies welcome.
Party in the Park
First Southern Baptist Church of Goshen will host a “school’s out” celebration for children, teens, and their parents at 6pm on Wednesday, May 27, at Goshen Park.
Section: School News
Artchella/Ducky Race
Artchella is scheduled from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, May 2. This annual event supports the Arts Department and includes vendors, live performances, food, student art, and fun. For more information, contact the teacher sponsors, Savanna Rose (srose@elkinsdistrict.org), or Deedee Auslam (deauslam@elkinsdistrict.org). Artchella is followed by the 5th Annual Rubber Ducky Derby, sponsored by Elkins Choir. Proceeds from the Rubber Duck Derby will be split between the Choir and the winning duck! One ducky for $3, two duckies for $5, four duckies for $10, eight duckies for $20. For more information, contact Dede Auslam at deauslam@elkinsdistrict.org.
Sports Physicals May 5
Community Clinic is offering free sports physicals for students participating in any sport 8:30am to 3pm on Tuesday, May 5 at the Elkins High School Arena. The deadline to register is April 30 and pre-registration is required. Follow this link to register: https://trst.in/ytNSUc Questions? Call 479-643-3283
Graduation May 15
The Elkins High School 2026 Graduation will be 7pm on Friday, May 15, at John Bunch Jr. Football Field.
Band Fundraiser
The Elkins Band will host their final fundraiser and concert of the year on Monday, May 4. The baked potato dinner with bbq from Rub Me Raw will be at 6pm, along with a silent auction. The band concert begins at 6:30pm. The meals are $5 a plate.
Section: Community News
Scouting Fundraiser
Elkins Scout Troops 460 and Troop 25G will be doing a spaghetti dinner at the Elkins Community Center at 5pm to 7pm on Saturday, May 9. All proceeds will go to summer camp costs. Tickets are $4 for children and $8 for adults. Cookies are available for an additional cost.
First Friday
The summer First Fridays are getting started! The next First Fridays are 4pm to 7pm on May 1 and June 5 at Bunch Park.
Sign Up for Regroup
Washington County has switched to the ReGroup mass notification system, replacing CodeRed. This new tool is available to anyone in the county — regardless of whether they live in the unincorporated or incorporated areas!
Subscribers will be able to receive warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash floods and winter storms. Also, it can pass along critical information to subscribers by their physical location for events, etc.
Learn more and sign up on the county’s website: https://www.washingtoncountyar.gov/government/departments-a-e/emergency-management/regroup-4477
Book Swap
Two local residents are hosting a book swap from 5pm to 6pm on Thursday, May 7, at Six Arrows Coffee Shop in Elkins. Participants are invited to wrap the book they want to bring and they will take turns picking a book and hearing about it. This will be the first meetup of a book club.
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.
Youth cheerleading
It’s time to signup for Elkins Youth Cheer. Registration is online May 1-31 at https://canva.link/3jk9ztceftgn0lb. This program is for students in grades three through six.There is more information about the program and its requirements on the registration pages found at the provided link. Contact Hollie Haire on Facebook with questions.
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.
Section: Neighbor News
Madison County Rodeo
The 29th Annual Madison County Rodeo will be 8:30pm on May 22-23.
Country Breakfast Fundraiser
The Round Mountain Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual Country Breakfast 6am to 11am on Saturday, May 9, at Fire Station 1 on Lake Sequoyah Road. There will be breakfast and raffle items, including a rifle. For more information, contact admin@roundmtnfire.com.