Play like a kid, eat, drink, and raise money for a great cause at the Scott Family Amazeum’s UnGala, an annual FUNdraiser for ages 21+ where you can experience one-of-a-kind activities that spark creativity and curiosity, on Apr 21, from 6-10p.

• Kidding around: Try pewter casting, screen printing, and other cool hands-on activities, or if you have a need for speed, you can race others in a souped-up, 24-volt racer. There will also be an all-you-can-eat food truck buffet and a mad-scientist cocktail round!
• Play with purpose: Thanks to the UnGala, the Amazeum can continue its nonprofit mission by hosting Priceless Nights, keeping the cost of general admission low, and providing professional development opportunities for local educators.

Prepare to unleash your creativity and get your tickets HERE.

The WSJ recently highlighted Northwest Arkansas's drastic transformation in the last few years. This growth can be partly attributed to initiatives by notable companies, foundations, and programs like the Northwest Arkansas Council’s Life Works Here.

• Job opportunities: Companies like Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt Transport, and many others have been creating more and more job opportunities in the area.
• The times they are a changin': Residents are drawn in by affordable housing, a small-town feel, outdoor activities, and city-like amenities. However, with its population projected to rise by over 300,000 over the next twenty years, the area's housing costs have seen a marked increase.

Read the full highlight here.

The Pinnacle Springs development in Rogers is getting its first restaurant tenant with North Carolina-based Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, an American cuisine concept serving up steak, seafood, and other signature dishes.

• Flame up: Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, with approximately 60 U.S. locations, will open its first Arkansas location in the fourth quarter of 2024.
• Developed: The development also includes a 350-unit apartment complex and two office buildings totaling about 29,000 square feet.

Read the full article here.

I am Northwest Arkansas recently featured Danny Collins, the founder of 37 North Expeditions and the director of the upcoming Expedition Ozark race.

• Exploring Ozarks: Adventure racers from 10 countries are competing in a five-day, 375-mile race that will take them through the breathtaking Ozarks.
• Get outside: 37 North Expeditions curates exceptional outdoor experiences, providing the equipment and transportation, and taking the planning steps out for corporate groups looking for team bonding opportunities post-COVID.

Learn more about Expedition Ozark and Danny Collins' 37 North Expeditions here.

Voters in Springdale will make decisions in a May 9 special bond election that could fund various improvement projects in the city.

• Bonding structure: The bond change will allow the city to restructure bonds for the purpose of funding projects including updating parks, transportation, and infrastructure, a new fire station, and a 40,000 square foot senior center.
• Taxes and levy: Sales taxes for the city would remain at 2%, and the City of Springdale can also levy a 1% local sales and use tax that will cover the cost of the bonds when they are paid off.

Find more on the story here.