Editor’s Note: At press time, the following events and meetings were known to be still scheduled. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to contact Sandra Hope at shope@pbcommercial.com or use our newsroom email pbcnews@adgnewsroom.com to make additions or changes.
Wednesday, July 2
Chamber sets July 2 luncheon
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 2 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The program will be the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Project. Lunch will be $15 and catered by Leon’s Catfish. Lunch must be paid for in advance, according to the Chamber newsletter. Details: Chamber, (870) 535-0110.
The Commercial sets Church News Deadline
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Fridays. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesdays. Pastors, ministers or others interested in writing for the Devotional Page may also submit columns for consideration. Column writers should have connections to southeast Arkansas. Articles are accepted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, July 3
1st Ward Living Grace sets giveaway
The First Ward Living Grace Pantry, 1201 Commerce Road, will conduct a city-wide Independence Day celebration on July 3 from noon to 2 p.m. This celebration is open to the public and will feature a drive-through where attendees can pick up free food, drinks, snacks, and more. The event will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so participants are encouraged to line up early at the old Belair school, according to a news release. “Join us for a day of community, celebration, and free refreshments as we commemorate Independence Day together,” according to the release. Details: First Ward Living Grace Pantry, (479) 301-1096 or https://firstwardpantry.wixsite.com/fwlgp.
Friday, July 4
PB conducts fireworks at park
The 4th of July Celebration will take place at the softball complex Friday in Pine Bluff Regional Park, Kerry Battle, Pine Bluff Festival Association’s director, said in a news release. The celebration will start at 8 p.m. with Laron Marbley of Deltaplex Radio’s The Beat 99.3 FM providing musical entertainment. Then, Southeast Arkansas largest fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. Admission for viewing is free. In case of severe weather, the fireworks will only be available for viewing at the complex on July 5 at 9 p.m. There will be limited parking near the softball complex as well as Saracen Landing. Parking will also be available at the Jefferson County Courthouse parking lot and surrounding areas. Details: (870) 341-0088 or (870) 536-0920 or pbfestivalassociation@gmail.com.
White Hall hosts fireworks
The city of White Hall invites everyone back to its annual Alva Domon Fireworks Show, which will be held July 4 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. The White Hall Police Officer Association-sponsored show starts at dark, with the National Anthem kicking off the fireworks display. Patriotic music will play during the show. It’s a drive-up event, with parking in front of the community center and next door at the Crenshaw Springs Water Park. Residents are asked to consider donating a non-perishable food item to the White Hall Food Pantry when they attend the event. A donation box will be at the community center’s front door. The Chamber thanks Billy Coble for his continued support of the fireworks show.
Offices open, closed July 4th
Several agencies announced whether they’ll be closed or open the July 4th holiday:
Pine Bluff City Hall and related offices — Closed July 4-7.
Jefferson County Courthouse and related offices — Closed July 4-7.
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas — The agency offices and senior centers will be closed July 4, however Southeast Arkansas Transportation (SEAT) will be taking patients to their dialysis and cancer appointments.
State offices will be closed July 4. The state Capitol building will be open to the public from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Waste Management — Open July 4. Waste Management customers scheduled for July 4 will be serviced on their regular pickup day. WM asks residents to ensure that no hot fireworks or coals are placed in their carts. The Commercial incorrectly reported recently WM would be closed as reflected on its corporate website’s list of holidays.
Saturday, July 5
Step-by-Step sets celebration
Thornton’s Step-By-Step organization will hold its July 4th Celebration on July 5 beginning at 5 p.m. in the Roy Yarbrough City Park in Thornton. The celebration will end with a fireworks display adjacent to the railroad tracks beginning at 8:45 p.m. There will be live music and entertainment, a bounce house, food vendors, and booths, according to a news release. It is hoped that this annual event will bring people from within the local community, surrounding areas, and from all across Arkansas together to share reflections of the July 4th traditions. Details: Levenis Penix, 870) 352-8241; Sharon Scott, (870) 352-7968; or the Thornton’s Mayor’s Office, (870) 352-3576.
Beginning Monday, July 7
CrEATe Lab Camp set at ASC
The ARTx3 Campus will host CrEATe Lab Camp from 2-4 p.m. weekdays, July 7-11, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. “The camp, for ages 12-17, is a nutritious, hands-on cooking program in which students learn food preparation skills,” according to a news release. Topics including gardening, food careers and community service are also covered. Faith Anaya instructs the camp. The cost is $110 for ARTx3 members and $140 for nonmembers. Full scholarships are available for anyone who applies, regardless of income. Register at artx3.org/all-events/create-lab-camp or call (870) 536-3375. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call 870-536-3375.
UAM Kids’ University set
UAM Kids’ University will be held at the University of Arkansas at Monticello from July 7-10 for youth in grades 1-6 and registration is open. The morning session for students entering grades 1-3 and will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. The afternoon session for students entering grades 4-6 and will be held from 1-5 p.m. An early drop-off option is available for both sessions. The day camp aims to cultivate new interests, expand knowledge and spark imagination and creativity in children in a non-graded environment, according to a news release. Early registration is open now and runs through May 31. If you sign up and pay by May 31, the registration fee is $80. Registration from June 1-26 is $100. After June 26, the registration fee is $125. Checks made payable to “UAM Kids’ University” can be mailed to Attn: Rebecca Newton, P.O. Box 3608, Monticello, AR 71656. Payments may also be made over the phone by contacting the UAM Cashier’s Office at (870) 460-1043.
Friday, July 11
Live@5: Platinum Hitz set at ASC
Platinum Hitz performs during the Live@5 concert from 5-7 p.m. July 11 in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center, 701 S. Main St. “The band will bring a blend of solid, soulful and bluesy sound,” according to the release. Entry is $10 for ARTx3 members and $15 for nonmembers. Complimentary beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages are included. The event is for ages 21 and older. Live@5 is presented by MK Distributors. Additional support is provided by Simmons Bank. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Branson trip set to see ‘David’
Women of Faith will charter a bus to Branson, Mo., July 11 to see the live performance of “David” on the Sight & Sound Theatre stage. Men, women, couples and children (accompanied by an adult) are encouraged to attend. This is a turnaround trip with transportation and reserved seating included in the cost of the ticket, according to a news release. For details or ticket information contact Jessie Clemmons at (870) 692-2194.
Beginning Friday, July 11
UAPB plans new student orientation
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will kick off new student orientation (NSO) sessions Friday to welcome the fall 2025 class. The sessions include lunch and optional tours. All activities will take place in Henderson-Young Hall, according to a news release. The NSO sessions will include July 11, July 25, Aug. 8, and Aug. 20, (during Welcome Week.) Each NSO date will include a Meet the Campus Team and Meet Your Academic Advisor session, covering what to expect, new student basics, and class schedules, as well as a Q&A session with campus administrators. Basic Academic Services will advise students with fewer than 30 college credit hours. Students with 30 or more credit hours will be advised by their academic department/major advisor. NSO is mandatory for all new and transfer students. Students must be fully admitted to register for the orientation. To register, visit UAPB.edu or call the admission office, (870) 575-8492. For details, email rigginsc@uapb.edu or call (870) 575-8732.
Through Friday, July 11
Generator sets free youth camp
The Generator, 435 South Main, will hold a free Inventioneer Summer Camp for youth June 16 through July 11 from 12:3-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. “Inventioneer Camp is a free, hands-on experience for youth ages 11-17, focused on engineering graphics using CAD and designing imaginative inventions in a fun, team-based environment,” according to the flier. Participants can learn engineering graphics, have a summer invention challenge, as well as build confidence, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Free lunch will be provided, according to the flier. The camp is free but spaces are limited. To register, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4Z8Sg9uNLELke_R3H893OdKYNo1XJnKT6vDeIjMv5K880-w/viewform. Details: (870) 663-0200.
Saturday, July 12
City to host dump day
The city of Pine Bluff will hold a free dump day to discard various items. The event will be held from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 12 at Hestand Stadium. Residents may bring appliances, couches, desks, filing cabinets, nightstands, shelving, bookcases, recliners, headboards, box springs, carpet, shelves, and changing tables, according to the city’s Facebook page. The event won’t accept electronics, medical waste, hazardous waste, dead animals, contractor material or trash.
St. John to give away food
St John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to people in need July 12 from 9 a.m. until all food has been distributed. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family. Pickup will be in front of the church on Cherry Street. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks, according to a news release.
Beginning Saturday, July 12
Blues by Budweiser concerts set
The 2025 Blues by Budweiser concert series will be held at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and concerts begin at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. There is a $5 cover charge for non-members, according to a news release. The line-up includes: July 12 — Tina Cossey Band; Aug. 2 — Kent Burnside Band; Sept. 6 — Big Al & The Heavy Weights; Oct. 4 — Garry Burnside Band; Nov. 1 — Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain.
Sunday, July 13
Church to observe Vaughns’ 105th birthday
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., will host the 105th birthday celebration of their deacon, Thomas F. Vaughns, at 2 p.m. July 13 in the church fellowship hall. Vaughns is a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, a veteran of the Korean War, was a county extension agent, and horticulture specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for 14 years, according to a news release.
Tuesday, July 15
Trinity Village sets luncheon
Trinity Village, 6400 Trinity Drive, will hold a salad luncheon and silent auction at the Lodge Great Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 15. Proceeds will go toward improvements in Trinity’s medical center. Admission is by donation, according to the flier.
Thursday, July 17
SOAR plans Murry’s roast/toast
Ernie Murry, executive director of SOAR (Students of Achievement & Responsibility), and a former Arkansas Razorbacks basketball star, will be the honoree at a roast and toast at 6 p.m. July 17 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The special guest will be former Razorbacks Basketball Coach Nolan Richardson. The SOAR board invites the community to attend. Tables for eight people are $1,500, which include a VIP reception. Individual tickets are $100. All proceeds will benefit the SOAR Program. The title sponsor is Simmons Bank. The convention center has a clear bag policy, according to a news release. Details: Ernie Murry at (870) 329-2926 or erniemurry8@gmail.com or Anita Smith at (870) 592-2795 or asmith.soar@gmail.com.
Christian Women set luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection will hold its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 17 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The community is invited to attend, according to a news release. The speaker will be Sandy Moore of Independence, Kan., and her topic will be “My Journal, His Story.” The special feature will also be Moore with “Junk Journaling” and she will sing. The Women’s Connection luncheon costs $20 and includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. All participants are asked to honor their reservations. For reservations and/or cancellations, contact Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302.
Rotary to host Hooten’s
The Rotary Club of West Pine Bluff’s program will be Hooten’s Arkansas Football at 11:30 a.m. July 17 at Pine Bluff Country Club. The luncheon will be presented by Barry Grooms of Hooten’s Arkansas Football, according to a news release. “We are extending this invitation to representatives from all football programs in southeast Arkansas, so you will not only have the opportunity to hear comments from Arkansas’ premier football authority, you can also visit with coaches and key players from football programs in Southeast Arkansas — all in the same room at the same time. And eat well,” according to the release. Details: Roy Ferrell at roywferrell@gmail.com.
Beginning Thursday, July 17
Theater Production: ‘Memphis’ set at ASC
ARTx3 will present the musical “Memphis” at 7 p.m. July 17-19; and 3 p.m. July 20. Performances are in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center, 701 S. Main St. “Memphis” is sponsored by Simmons Bank. “A Tony Award-winning musical inspired by true events, ‘Memphis’ is set in the 1950s underground dance clubs of Memphis, Tenn.,” according to the release. “It follows a daring white radio DJ (played by Will Parkman) and a talented Black club singer (played by Pashu’ar Grissom), both striving for stardom. Together, they break cultural boundaries and spark a revolution as rock ‘n’ roll takes over. With electrifying music, unforgettable songs, and heart-pounding choreography, ‘Memphis’ will have you dancing in your seat and jumping with excitement from start to finish.” Tickets are available at artx3.org/all-events/memphis-musical, by calling (870) 536-3375, or in person. They are $20 for ARTx3 members and $25 for nonmembers. Student tickets may be purchased in person for $10 with a student ID. Taijee Bunch directs, with musical direction by La’Leata May, choreography by Miles Meckling and stage management by Jeran Collie. Music is by David Bryan. Lyrics are by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro. The book is by Joe DiPietro.
Friday, July 18
ASC hosts Movement and Agility
The ARTx3 Campus will host a Movement and Agility workshop from 11 a.m. to noon July 18 in the Loft Gallery at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Designed for women 30 and older, this functional strength-building class aims to increase strength, mobility, balance, flexibility and confidence. Exercise therapist Lauren Robertson of Kingdom Wellness 360 instructs. The cost is $15 for ARTx3 members and $20 for nonmembers. Participants should register by July 14 at artx3.org/all-events/movement-agility-july-2025. The program is sponsored by McFarland Eye Care. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, public programs and theater coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org, or call (870) 536-3375.
Saturday, July 19
COED Church Kickball Tournament set
COED Church, in collaboration with Redirecting Paths, will host a community kickball tournament beginning at 9 a.m. July 19 at Regional Park. The tournament is designed to bring area churches together for a day of fellowship and faith. “Churches of all sizes, from youth groups and young adults to adult ministries are invited to form coed teams and join us for an uplifting day of friendly competition and spiritual unity,” according to a news release. Teams must be coed, a minimum of eight players, maximum of 10, and at least four males and four females per team. The registration deadline is July 12. The event is free. For details, team registration, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Redirectingpaths@gmail.com or Torey Foote at (501) 799-3836.
Saturday, July 26
1st Ward pantry sets gala
First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry will present its third annual Black Tie Fundraiser at 7 p.m. July 26 at Sahara Temple, 820 S. Main St. Proceeds from the fundraiser go toward the pantry’s mission of feeding those in need. This year the honoree is Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. Each year, First Ward Living Grace hosts the gala in honor of a community member who has been instrumental in supporting the pantry, according to director Debra Allen. Tickets are $75 each. Tables are $675 and sits eight people. Sponsors’ names will be on the tables as well as the program. For tickets or details, contact Mae Washington at (870) 489-2376 or Dr. Arlene Woody, (870) 329-3473.
Through Thursday, July 31
Registry seeks state women artists
The Arkansas Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (ACNMWA) is accepting applications for its biennial Juried Artist Registry of Arkansas women artists. The application is available on the ACNMWA website at www.acnmwa.org/programs/juried-artist-registry. The deadline to apply is July 31 and there is a $20 entry fee. The application is open to all artists who are residents of Arkansas at the time of application. The registry will be featured on the ACNWMA website from October 2025 to October 2027, according to a news release.
Beginning Friday, Aug. 8
Dollarway ’75 Class sets reunion
The Dollarway High School Class of 1975 is planning its 50th class reunion and all members are encouraged to participate. Aug. 8 — the meet n’ greet will be held from 5-10 p.m. at the John W. Fallis Waterfront Facility in Pine Bluff Regional Park. T-shirts will be distributed during the meet n’ greet and members are urged to place T-shirt orders now. The meet n’ greet is for adults only, according to a news release.Aug. 9 — The class picnic will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the waterfront facility in Regional Park. The grill master will be Dollarway’s own William “Bill” Sprinkle. Ages 5 and younger can attend free. Aug. 9 — DHS Class of 1975 Prom/Banquet will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight at the waterfront facility, for adults only. The dress code is semi-formal and colors are red, white and black. Aug. 10 — The church fellowship will be 10 a.m. at Family Church, 2309 S. Poplar St., where Elder Roosevelt Brown is the pastor. Joyce C. Williams Brown is the reunion facilitator. Details: (870) 692-2543.