County Health Rankings recognized Northwest Arkansas as the healthiest place to live in Arkansas, with Benton County ranked #1 and Washington County at #2 regarding Health Outcomes.

• By the numbers: Health Outcomes are measured by analyzing the average lifespan and the physical and mental health experienced by people in a community and can be influenced by factors like clean water, affordable housing, quality medical care, job availability, and policies at different levels.
• Good marks: Benton and Washington Counties scored high in various factors, such as exercise opportunities, access to health providers, and a high percentage of high school completion.

See how your county compares to others in Arkansas HERE.

The food truck pros behind Bottlerocket Subs and Margaret's are teaming up to convert a shipping container into a tavern near the old spring shop building at 704 S. Washington St. in Fayetteville.

• The watering hole: The bar will serve coffee, soda, and beers, providing beverages for customers of the neighboring food trucks and community events hosted at the lot.
• Untitled: A name has not been decided, but if all goes according to plan, the tavern will open in late summer or early fall of this year.

Read more about the project HERE.

Shake off the winter cold and celebrate the start of spring during the Holi Festival this Saturday, Apr 8, from 12-3p at the Momentary in Bentonville.

• Family fun: Hosted by the Indian Cultural Association of NWA, the celebration will feature traditional Indian food, music, dancing, and fun for the entire family while learning about unique cultures in our area.
• Colors of spring: Celebrating the vibrancy of life, a fun element of Holi is the throwing of brightly colored pigment powder, so wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty and be ready to join the fun!

The event is free to drop by anytime between 12-3p. Find more details HERE.

Looking for a fun family outing this week? The Northwest Arkansas Naturals open the 2023 season with a three-game series against the Midland RockHounds at Arvest Ballpark from Apr 6-8 and will host post-game firework shows on Thursday and Friday and a Naturals cap giveaway on Saturday night.

• For the kids: The KC Royals Kids Zone has new inflatables, including a 28-ft-long double dip slide and a giant castle bouncer with an obstacle course inside.
• Fun for fans: Join between-inning entertainment like the Trike Race, Inner Tube Race, and Fly Ball Frenzy, and mark your calendars for this season's theme nights like Star Wars Night, Jun 2, and Marvel's Defenders of the Diamond Night, Jun 17.

Find a complete list of theme nights and other exciting updates at Arvest Ballpark HERE.

The 2023 Heartland Challenge Startup Competition presents the Startup Expo taking place on Apr 15, where 12 semi-finalist teams will be on display for the public to explore and engage with.

• With a side of learning: Attendees can enjoy free food and drinks while learning about the participating startups and casting their vote for a $5,000 audience favorite prize.
• Venture Journey: The Heartland Challenge simulates the process of raising venture capital for high-growth enterprises and is Arkansas's first global student startup competition. Since its virtual debut in Spring 2020, the competition has awarded over $350,000 to deserving startups.

Mark your calendars and register for the Startup Expo HERE.