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.
Underway
Regional Park light display open
The 29th annual Enchanted Land of Lights & Legends is open in Regional Park from 6-9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31. Admission is free, but donations are accepted at the end of the drive-thru light exhibit. The Pine Bluff Festival Association Inc., a non-profit organization, welcomes visitors to the Regional Park for the celebration of the Enchanted Land of Lights & Legends. “This display of lights, established in 1997, is made possible by your continued support for this project and has expanded over the years due to your generosity,” according to a news release. “This is Arkansas’s largest free drive-thru of holiday lights with 1.3 miles of more than 240 displays, many of which are animated.”
Sunday, Dec. 14
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Gospel Musical set in Star City
A Community Gospel Musical will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Carnell Russ Vision Center in Star City. Guests include the Lincoln County Male Chorus, Totally Committed, Dreddy Dolls, Set Apart/Nu Emage, and Father and Son. “Come out and join the praise singing Zion songs,” a spokesman said.
Greater Battle Chapel hosts calendar drive
Greater Battle Chapel Baptist Church, 1001 Commerce Road, will conduct its 47th calendar drive at 3 p.m. Sunday. Featured guests will be the Rev. Earl Graham Jr., senior pastor of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in North Little Rock, along with his congregation, according to a flyer. The Rev. James Rice Jr. is pastor of Greater Battle Chapel.
New United church honors pastor, wife
New United Missionary Baptist Church, 5601 Cheatham St., will celebrate the anniversary of the pastor and wife, the Rev. Woodrow Jackson Sr. and Stella Jackson, at 11 a.m. Sunday.
Allen Temple celebrates 138th anniversary
Allen Temple AME Church, 1123 Virginia St., will observe its 138th anniversary at 3 p.m. Dec. 14. Bishop Silvester Scott Beaman, presiding prelate of the 12th Episcopal District, will be the guest speaker. Special guests from the city and the AME Church’s Pine Bluff Helena District will participate. The theme is “God’s Faithfulness Through the Ages” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Penny Waddell and Vicky Barsh are the anniversary program general co-chairs. The pastor is the Rev. Krissy Harris. The public is invited to come and celebrate 138 blessed years with Allen Temple, a spokesman said.
Compassionate Friends plan event
The Desha County Chapter of the Compassionate Friends will hold its 29th annual Candle Lighting Remembrance at 6 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Dumas Community Center in Dumas. The community is invited to attend. The program will honor the memories of all children who have died, but will never be forgotten, according to a news release. The event will consist of a memorial display, greetings, readings, poems, music selections and a candle lighting ceremony. “At 7 p.m. participants will light candles in memory of all our children gone too soon … that their light will always shine,” according to the release. A reception will follow the program. There is no admission fee, however donations are appreciated. Details: (870) 866-6985, (870) 377-4299, or (972) 365-1930. Brenda Norman is the co-leader and event planner.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Civic panel to meet
The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission in-person meeting will be held at noon Dec. 16. Details: Pine Bluff Convention Center, (870) 536-7600.
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Housing board to meet
The Housing Authority of the city of Pine Bluff will hold its board of commissioners meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 17 at Leon’s Catfish and Steakhouse. Details: (870) 541-0706.
Church news deadline set
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, Dec. 18
Christian Women plan luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection will conduct its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Participants are encouraged to bring Christmas ribbon to make bows and other holiday items. Guests will be Justin Wendell, pastor at Pursuit Church in White Hall, and his wife, Christina Wendell, the praise and worship leader, according to a news release. The luncheon is $20, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. Everyone is invited to attend. Participants are asked to honor their reservations. For reservations and/or cancellations contact Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302.
Through Friday, Dec. 19
Leadership 2026 seeks applicants
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations and applications for the 2026 Leadership Pine Bluff program. All completed applications are due by Dec. 19 and must include a $35 registration fee. “Founded in 1981, Leadership Pine Bluff was the very first leadership program established in the state of Arkansas,” according to a news release. “Its mission is to expose business and community leaders to all sectors of the community — helping them learn, network, and develop the skills needed to take on future leadership roles in Pine Bluff and beyond.” For details, contact the Chamber at (870) 535-0110, email jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.ccsend.com or see the application here.
Saturday, Dec. 20
1st Ward pantry sets giveaway
First Ward Living Grace Pantry will present its annual Christmas Giveaway from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 20 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football stadium parking lot, 1960 Oliver Road. The 2025 Bobby Rush Christmas Giveaway is designed to support families in need during the holiday season by providing free food items and toys for children ages 1 to 10. Distribution will be first-come, first-served, while supplies last, according to a news release. Participants are encouraged to line up and stay in their vehicles upon arrival to ensure an orderly and efficient process. Details: Executive Director Debra Strickland Allen at (479) 301-1096 or email firstwardpantry@gmail.com.
Summit band plans concert
The Summit Soundz Celebration Band will present its Christmas Spectacular Concert at 6 p.m. Dec. 20 at Summit Baptist Church, 901 Ridgway Road. “We will perform many of your favorite Christmas songs, both secular and sacred,” said Lewis Hinkle, the director of Summit Soundz.
“This concert is for everyone who loves the music of the season!” Along with the various instrumental arrangements, the band will feature vocal guests Barry Bates and Bethany Gere, according to a news release.
The public is invited to attend. The concert is free, but donations will be accepted for the Band Scholarship Fund that helps students attend summer band camps and assist with college expenses.
St. John to hand out food
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to people in need Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. until all the food has been distributed. State ID’s are required to receive one food box per family. Food will be handed out 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.
Sunday, Dec. 21
New United MBC celebrates Christmas
New United Missionary Baptist Church, 5601 Cheatham St., will present its Christmas program at 11 a.m. Dec. 21. The Rev. Woodrow Jackson Sr. is the pastor.
Male Chorus observes anniversary
The Southeast Arkansas Male Chorus will present its 26th Anniversary Concert at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1026 Missouri St. The worship leader will be David Maddox of New St. Hurricane Baptist Church. The theme is “Praising a Worthy God” (Psalm 150). This is also a membership drive. The chorus is also looking for “good Christian singing men,” according to a spokesman. “Hope to see you there.”
Altheimer church hosts Youth Day
New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Altheimer will present its Youth and Young Adult Day at 2 p.m. Dec. 21. Words of encouragement will be from the Rev. James Rice Jr., pastor of Greater Battle Chapel Baptist Church in Pine Bluff. The choir director will be Rosetta V. Lusk of New Morning Star and the guest worship leader will be the Rev. Eric Corbin, pastor of Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff. Choir rehearsals will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and Dec. 19. New Morning Star’s pastor is the Rev. Eric Walden Jr.
Tuesday, Dec. 23
JRMC blood drive Dec. 23
Jefferson Regional Medical Center will conduct a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 23 at the Henslee Conference Center. Walk-ins are welcome. Our Blood Institute is offering holiday shirts and movie tickets, while supplies last, according to a flyer. A photo ID is required of blood donors. Details: 877-340-8777 or obi.org.
Beginning Saturday, Dec. 27
King Cotton tournament begins
Three girls teams and 18 boys teams will compete in this year’s high school basketball event Dec. 27, 29 and 30 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. This will be the first year since 2021 that a girls division will be included and both Watson Chapel’s boys and girls teams will participate. Ticketing information will be available at King Cotton’s Facebook page.
Through Tuesday, Dec. 30
NAACP academic contest seeks applicants
High school students interested in participating in the Pine Bluff Branch NAACP’s 2026 Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) program must apply by Dec. 30. ACT-SO is an enrichment program of the NAACP that recognizes the academic achievements of high school students. The goal of this program is to allow young people the opportunity to gain recognition equal to that which is often only achieved by entertainers and athletes, according to StuffinTheBluff.com. To apply for the 2026 Pine Bluff Branch NAACP ACT-SO Program, visit https://naacp.org/our-work/youth-programs/act-so-achievement-program . For details, visit https://vimeo.com/378283796 or contact Maryann Lee, Pine Bluff Branch NAACP ACT-SO Program chairman, at (870) 718-5330 or mizmaryann@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Dec. 31
2 Gould churches host year-end service
Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church and Bailey Chapel United Methodist Church in Gould will host the annual End-of-Year Service at 7 p.m. Dec. 31 at Mount Moriah. The pastors, Phillip Puckett of Mt. Moriah and Curtis Gibson of Bailey Chapel, welcome everyone to join them as they gather in worship and gratitude to close out the year, a spokesman said.
Through Wednesday, Dec. 31
AGFC offers scholarships
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is accepting applications through Dec. 31 for conservation scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year. Any Arkansas resident majoring in a conservation-related field and attending an Arkansas college or university is eligible to apply. Students must have and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants must also submit a current transcript, a curriculum vitae of their course of study, a 300-word minimum essay, and a short video about their background and career plans and how those relate to conservation, according to a news release. Becky Bloomfield, program coordinator, said incoming freshmen and sophomores who receive a scholarship will receive $2,500 per semester. This amount increases to $5,000 per semester for incoming juniors and seniors. Details: www.agfc.com/conservationscholarships.
Clinic offers free exams
Jefferson Comprehensive Care System Inc. (JCCSI) will provide free primary care exams from now until Dec. 31. An HIV blood test will be included in the exam. The exams are being held to commemorate World AIDS Day, which was Dec. 1, in an effort to end the HIV epidemic. The program is in partnership with the Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, according to a news release. The free exams will be given at the Comprehensive Care clinics at these locations: Pine Bluff Clinic, 1101 S. Tennessee St., (870) 543-2380. Redfield Clinic, 100 Evening Sunset Valley, (501) 397-2261. Altheimer Clinic, 309 S. Edline St., (870) 766-8411. Arkansas Baptist College, 1724 S. Bishop St., Little Rock, (501) 737-2014. College Station Clinic, 4206 Frazier Pike, (501) 490-2440. Little Rock Clinic, 1100 N. University Ave., Suite 125, (501) 663-0055. North Little Rock Clinic, 2525 N. Willow St., Suite 1, (501) 812-0225. Open Hands Clinic, 3000 Springer Blvd., Suite B in Little Rock, (501) 244-2121. The exams are for all adults ages 18 and older. Appointments must be made in advance. Participants should call the clinics to schedule an appointment and patients must say “Delta World AIDS Day” while making an appointment.
Extension internships available
Applications are open for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s 2026 county extension agent internship. The paid, 10-week summer program offers college students an immersive, hands-on look at life as an extension agent. The internship is offered by the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach and education arm of the Division of Agriculture. College juniors and seniors studying agriculture, horticulture or family and consumer sciences-related fields are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is Dec. 31, 2025, and those selected for the program will be notified by mid-January 2026. Apply online at bit.ly/apply-county-agent-internship.
Thursday, Jan. 8
ASC to feature 2026 Small Works
The Arkansas Arts Council’s annual touring visual arts exhibition, Small Works on Paper, will open Jan. 5 and will be celebrated with a free opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The exhibition will then travel to nine other venues across Arkansas throughout the year. Participating artists in the 2026 exhibition include Shawn Penister of Pine Bluff, according to a news release.
Friday, Jan. 9
Soybean Forum set at Dumas
Experts from Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi will share information about issues facing soybean producers in the South at the 69th annual Tri-State Soybean Forum on Jan. 9. The event begins at 8 a.m. at the Dumas Community Center in Dumas. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, Louisiana State University AgCenter and Mississippi State University Extension Service jointly plan the conference, according to the Division of Agriculture news release. Details: www.uaex.uada.edu/soybean-forum or Grant Beckwith, Tri-State Soybean Forum chair, at gbeckwith@uada.edu.
Saturday, Jan. 10
Reception, Coon Supper set
The 14th annual Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception will be held Jan. 10 at the Berry Farm Shop in Gillett. The reception starts at 3:30 p.m. at the farm followed by the 82nd Gillett Coon Supper at the Gillett School Gymnasium at 6:30 p.m., according to a news release. Tickets to the pre-supper reception are $50 each and sponsorships are available. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. For more information about becoming a reception sponsor, contact Becky Barnes Campbell at (501) 912-7560 or Gabe Holmstrom at (479) 409-3329 or see the Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception Facebook page. Tickets to the Coon Supper may be purchased by contacting Tyler Place at (870) 830-4422.
Through Wednesday, Jan. 14
UAM displays sculpture exhibit
The Journey, a collaborative sculptural and mixed-media exhibition featuring work by artists Cindy Blair, Heather Gill and Tom Richard, professor of art at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, can be viewed in the Glassblock Gallery in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at UAM through Jan. 14. The Journey showcases an assemblage sculpture by Blair, Gill and Richard in the downstairs gallery. The upstairs gallery features Blair’s illuminated polymer clay sculptures, which explore the interplay of light, color and form, as well as Gill’s collage works depicting birds of western North America, created during her residency in Arizona, according to a news release. The exhibition is free and open to the public. The gallery’s hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 22
Chambers hosts annual dinner
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner will be held Jan. 22 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. This year’s featured speaker is Bill Jones, CEO of Sissy’s Log Cabin and a member of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, according to the Chamber newsletter. Tickets to the dinner are $60 for members and $65 for non-members. Table sponsorships are $600 for eight people. For tickets or sponsorship information, email jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or call Jennifer Kline, Chamber director, at (870) 535-0110.
Friday, Feb. 13
Alphas set Scholarship Fundraiser
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will present the 2026 Valentine’s Scholarship Fundraiser Feb. 13 at 7:06 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The gala is being presented by the Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha in conjunction with the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation. The theme is “All Black Affair with a Touch of Gold.” General admission is $50 per person. Scholarship sponsorship opportunities are also available, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Checks or money orders should be mailed no later than Feb. 6 to: Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, Post Office Box 3159, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. Checks should be made to the foundation, which is a 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information about the fundraiser, contact Arzo Knox at (501) 351-7336 or arzo.knox@hotmail.com.
Saturday, Feb. 28
Hospital foundation sets gala
Jefferson Regional Foundation will present the Winter Wonderland Ball 2026 on Feb. 28 at the White Hall Community Center. There will be live entertainment, according to a flier. Tickets are $250. For tickets and sponsorship information, contact Laura Beth Shaner at (870) 541-7210.