Bogle Park in Fayetteville was a place of great cheering from the Razorbacks this past Sunday afternoon when the softball team clinched the second straight SEC title. 

• Eight to nothing: No. 5 Arkansas claimed the title with a solid 8-0 win against South Carolina, while also claiming its third sweep of the season. The Hogs’ win earns them a share of the 2022 SEC regular-season title now, but if things go their way this weekend against Texas A&M, the Razorbacks could have it outright.
• Running home: Arkansas had two, two-run homers on Sunday and became one of four conference schools to win back-to-back regular-season championships. The team improved its overall record to 39-8 and a league-best 17-4 in conference play as well. 

Read the game highlights HERE.

Applications for Artists 360 grants are open, and artists in Northwest Arkansas of all disciplines can apply. 

• Uplifting artists: Partnered with the Mid-America Arts Alliance, Artists 360 is an organization that aims to elevate the leading artists in NWA by giving them a platform to succeed and grow. The program was designed “to address critical gaps in support by providing the funding, professional development, and networking opportunities” for artists to thrive. 
• The grants: There is a total of $214,000 in grant-making and professional development available. Artists 360 is offering six $1,500 student grants, 14 $7,500 project grants, five $15,000 Community Activator grants, and one $25,000 Creative Impact Award to artists in 2022.

Learn more HERE. 

A new project is underway in Farmington that will provide financial support to local, small business owners. 

• Supporting entrepreneurship: Startup Junkie and a team of community volunteers and donors are working together to open what will be called Upstart Thrift, which will focus on three pillars of service: “serving the community through access to affordable clothing and home goods, access to hand-up capital to small business owners, and community lending as a Kiva NWA lending team.”
• Prep: The store will be located at 235 E. Main St. in Farmington and is currently seeking donations of clothing and home goods items to sell. A grand opening is planned for June 1. 

Learn more HERE. 

Eureka Springs’ Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge celebrated its 30th anniversary this weekend! Started in 1992 by the Jackson family, Turpentine Creek has sheltered and cared for over 400 big cats and other animals. Seeking to end big cat exploitation, the non-profit refuge has rescued big cats and other animals from all over the country.

• The animals: The refuge houses nearly 100 animals with more than 50 habitat enclosures, the largest of which is upwards of 20,000 sq ft. According to the website, the refuge is currently home to tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bobcats, bears, ligers, servals, a coatimundi, and a macaw.
• Internships: Alongside the incredible work with animals, Turpentine Creek has graduated over 350 interns from its prestigious internship program who have gone on to work in zoos and other wildlife refuges all over the world.

For more info, you can visit their website HERE.

Though boardwalks are usually by the sea, Arkansans can dream a little. 

• On the sand: The Boardwalk Food Truck Court is a new, family-friendly food truck court in Springdale, located at 3445 S. Old Missouri Rd, where you can expect and enjoy delicious, international cuisine as well as yummy food from occasional pop-up vendors. 
• Food for trying: Currently, at The Boardwalk, you can get Mexican food at El Trompo Loco, Honduran at Sabor Catacho, Salvadorian at Pupuseria Miriam’s, Venezuelan at Na’guara, Japanese at Jasper’s Hibachi Express & Sushi, more Asian at Asian Combo Wok, BBQ at Yankabilly Smokehouse, fruity desserts at Fruiteria, and Crepes from Crepes and Company. 

Learn more about the food trucks at The Boardwalk and their business hours HERE.