Good morning, Jonesboro.

The Arvest Foundation awarded $4,000 to the Court Appointed Special Advocates of the 2nd Judicial District to recruit, train and support volunteer advocates who help abused and neglected children in foster care from Craighead, Greene and Poinsett counties.

Students in A-State’s Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club are hosting a pet food drive to benefit the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society as local pet owners struggle to feed their animals.

Donations will be accepted at campus sites and off-campus locations — including the College of Agriculture building, Lab Sciences East, and local stores — until classes end on Dec. 4.

Arkansas retailers plan to cut prices on Small Business Saturday on Nov 29 — the day after Black Friday, as many shops will offer special deals to attract local customers.

Business owners said the discounts will help boost sales and support the community.

Delta Symphony Orchestra will host its first Candlelight Classic—an immersive concert lit by more than 1,200 LED candles—on Saturday, February 7 from 7–9 PM at The Forum in downtown Jonesboro.

Local restaurants will offer special deals with ticket purchases as tickets cost $30 with included refreshments.

Arkansas State University will usher in the holidays with its Sounds of the Season concert on December 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fowler Center’s Riceland Hall (201 Olympic Drive), where A-State’s Choirs and guest performers will present carols and holiday music while a livestream option is available.

Christmas at the Park opened yesterday at 5:30 p.m. with drive-thru holiday light displays that will run through December 23 — the event also offers sponsor highlight nights, family activities, and a 'Pay What You Can Night' on December 3.

Sandra Taylor, a Nettleton High School educator, was named the November Gr8 Acts of Kindness winner for her decades-long work organizing an annual Veterans Day luncheon that has grown from a small school event to a large community gathering at St. Bernards Auditorium—her dedication gives veterans respect and teaches valuable lessons to students.

Black River Technical College delivered 35 Thanksgiving baskets with a frozen turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and other items to students in need on its two campuses— the food pantry, which began in 2022, recorded its largest distribution to date.

The pantry also supports students facing food insecurity by providing meals and essential supplies.

Santa Shuffle

6:30 PM — Joe Mack Campbell Park — Free entry — Enjoy a festive stroll through Jonesboro in holiday spirit.

23rd Annual Duck Classic

7 p.m. — First National Bank Arena — Ticketed event — Celebrate with a charity banquet followed by a fun-filled duck hunting experience for a great cause.

Live at the 501 Steakhouse

6:30 PM – 12:30 AM — 501 Steakhouse — Cost varies — Enjoy a night of new tunes and classic covers in a cozy Arkansas setting.