The Northwest Arkansas Council recently launched three new initiatives to continue supporting the economy and workforce in the region.

• Back at it: The Council continued its industry roundtables that were on pause from the pandemic. These roundtables are a chance for educators to connect with folks in industry and make sure the two parties are aligned.
• Filling gaps: In September, the Council launched a Computer Science apprenticeship program aimed at upskilling workers in the region. Additionally, the Council is helping high school students in the region learn more about their career interests and options.

Read more about the NWA Council's efforts to support our local economy here.

Oktoberfest is coming to Northwest Arkansas as the theme of this month's First Friday in Bentonville.

• Origins: The official Oktoberfest occurs annually in Munich, Germany, for the first couple weeks of October and has been a tradition for over 200 years, beginning as a celebration of a royal wedding.
• Who wore it best? The event will include live music, German and fall foods, yoga, and, of course, a beer garden. While not mandatory, dirndls and lederhosen are encouraged - the best attire will be rewarded.

Get all the details about it here.

A new Tex-Mex fusion style restaurant called Casa Alejo is coming soon to downtown Springdale.

• Options aplenty: Between Local Lime in Rogers, the more recent addition of Taco & Tamale in Bentonville, another Taco & Tamale coming to South Fayetteville, and now Casa Alejo in Springdale, NWA's Tex-Mex scene is pretty stacked.
• Bases covered: The sneak peaks Casa Alejo has given everyone on their Instagram look like they will have the margs you would expect at a Tex-Mex restaurant, good vibes, and their own eclectic spin on Tex-Mex food.

Follow along here for updates on Casa Alejo.

Come enjoy the free, community event filled with music, food, art, and fun at the last of Fayetteville’s 2022 First Thursday series. 

• Ain't no strings on me: Some of the unique elements of this month’s Larger Than Life theme will include free yoga, an enormous puppet parade, and a Slow Roll Glow Ride. 
• Game on: Gaming on the square will be presented by this month’s sponsor: ReWired Fest, a two day esports tournaments coming to Fayetteville on Oct 21-22.

See a full line up this week's First Thursday HERE. 

There are many amazing opportunities in NWA for children’s Involvement in sports, but how do parents and families not get overwhelmed with all the scheduling? I am Northwest Arkansas sat down with Brandi K. Harris to discuss that and more. 

• Expertise: Brandi K. Harris is a marriage and family therapist here in NWA, and she also has a background as a D1 athlete and has coached swimming with USA Swimming for over a decade. 
• Family health: Brandi shared valuable advice on how to take care of yourself while scheduling and supporting your child’s sports activities.  

Listen to the podcast episode or read the transcript HERE.