Good morning, Bentonville.

On Saturday, the holiday season will begin with a Holiday Market, Christmas Parade and lighting ceremony—accompanied by music.

Harps Food Stores and Butterball are sponsoring the Holiday Hams and Turkeys Giveaway contest open to local entrants from December 1 until noon on December 12—daily winners will be drawn beginning December 8 and must claim their prizes in person at Harps Food Stores.

Twenty-five winners will receive a free Butterball Turkey and a complimentary ham valued at $55 each, with entries accepted online or by mail.

The Compton, an independent hotel on the downtown square — backed by Walmart founder's grandsons — opened Tuesday morning with site tours, speeches and fanfare marking its launch.

A university report found Arkansas farm net income dropped 8% in 2025 from $3.17 billion to $2.91 billion while national income rose 41%.

Farmers planted fewer soybean and rice crops in a rainy spring and lower prices caused by reduced foreign demand hurt earnings — the report projects income will remain unchanged in 2026.

Keivay Foster, a 3-star safety from Muscle Shoals, Ala, rescinded his commitment to Arkansas on Tuesday after choosing the Razorbacks in June despite offers from Missouri, Kentucky, Mississippi State and others.

He is the fourth prospect to reopen his recruiting after Silverfield’s hiring — Arkansas now has 13 pledges for the 2026 class.

Ryan Silverfield’s five-year contract as head coach of the Razorbacks went into effect on Nov.

30 and is valued at $33.5 million with a fixed pay of $350,000 per year and rising annual bonuses – the deal also includes clauses for termination payouts and rewards if targets are met. His contract is higher than his predecessor Sam Pittman’s – who was offered about $25 million for a similar term.

Fishing guide Jon Conklin said that crappie fishing is heating up at Beaver Lake as water cools — anglers who sleep in may also have a chance to catch trout in the afternoon.

The University of Arkansas men's basketball team will host No. 6 Louisville today at 6:15 p.m. at Walton Arena—after a Thanksgiving loss to Duke that kept them in the top 25 and saw a three-place drop in the poll, the Razorbacks now rely on their talented freshmen to spark a comeback.

Fayetteville — Ryan Silverfield took over as Arkansas football coach three days ago and his team will start the early signing period today.

This signing period marks a continued whirlwind start to his tenure.

Broker Panel 2025

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — The Duley Group | Keller Williams — Tickets available for a nominal fee — Gain insights from top brokers in NWA commercial real estate at this insightful panel discussion.

The Snowman: A Family Concert

2-8 p.m. — Walton Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience a magical holiday concert featuring a special screening of The Snowman with live orchestral accompaniment.

Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator VIP Demo Day

5:30-7 p.m. — Record Downtown — Free entry — Witness innovative lithium tech pitches from Arkansas' emerging energy startups.

The Nutcracker - 13th Annual Production

7-9 p.m. — Arend Arts Center — Ticket information available — Experience the beloved holiday classic set to Tchaikovsky's enchanting score.

Noon Year's Eve Celebration

10 AM-1 PM — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art — Free entry — Celebrate the New Year with artmaking, live music, and a festive noon countdown for families.