Rogers brings the boom with the National Fireworks Association (NFA) annual trade show this week. It promises to be a combustible affair.

Why it matters: Trade shows like NFA's fuel Arkansas' $17.4 billion tourism economy — and sometimes turn first-time visitors into repeat ones.

State of play: The event is the industry's largest trade show, spokesperson Allyson Cowgill said. It moves to different parts of the country each year, so it won't repeat in Rogers soon.

• About 1,000 people are expected to attend the convention, filling NWA hotels and restaurants.
• Like any run-of-the-mill convention, it's an opportunity for vendors, buyers and manufacturers to connect, learn about new products and do business.

🎆 Yes, but: This group will demo their wares for all. Two public shows are scheduled — a 9/11 Tribute Show on Thursday and a grand finale on Friday.

• Both will be at the Benton County Fairgrounds with food and music. Gates open in the evening and admission is $5.

What we're hearing: It's likely that new spectacular sparkles will get a trial run on those nights.

The big picture: Attendees are watching potential U.S. tariffs on China that could hit in 2026. NFA members lobbied lawmakers in D.C. earlier this year, and those delegates will brief attendees.

• "The tariffs are really going to affect the small businesses that do it on the side, or have just enough in the bank to cover their product for the year," Cowgill said.

What they're saying: "Wherever the convention goes … I try to attend," said Adam Keeley, who owns Riverside Year-Round Fireworks of Siloam Springs.

• He's a volunteer for NFA and traces his passion to childhood when he'd save money all year to spend on Fourth of July fireworks.

The bottom line: "Fireworks can evoke an emotion," Keeley said. "It's a unique art form … it goes up in the sky and it's gone in a matter of seconds."

Keep reading

Peak foliage in Northwest Arkansas should be the week of Oct. 20 this year.

The big picture: The fall color change starts in the North and high elevations in the U.S., before making its way South, according to travel brand SmokyMountains.com.

State of play: Warmer-than-average temperatures could delay foliage in much of the country, particularly in the South and West, including Georgia, Alabama and northern Florida.

• Yes, but: Mountainous regions and areas with cooler-than-usual forecasts — like northern New England, the Adirondacks and the Poconos — could see peak colors on the early side, according to forecasts.
• Between the lines: SmokyMountains.com uses historical weather reports, tree species info and user data to put together 2025 foliage prediction maps of the U.S.

Zoom in: The hard-to-find, vibrant yellow Alpine larch groves in the Northern Rockies are one of University of Vermont forest science professor William Keeton's favorite fall sights.

• Here are more colorful leaves to view across the country.

The bottom line: Even with warmer weather shifting timelines, there will still be plenty of reds, yellows, oranges and purples to see across the country.

Ryan Hauck, chief executive officer of Experience Fayetteville, is on paid administrative leave effective immediately, pending the outcome of an "internal personnel matter." (Fayetteville Flyer)

• He started the job on July 21.

🏠 Cobblestone Farm Community, a rent-controlled development in Fayetteville, unveiled 89 units of single-family homes, duplexes and triplexes leasing from $350-$750 per month. (KNWA)

📵 In an announcement on Friday, FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the agency will consider lifting a ban on the jamming of cellphones near state prisons in an effort to curb the use of contraband devices to commit crimes. (Arkansas Advocate)

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Nothing I can write, nor any photo I take, will do justice to my experience at Oak Steakhouse in Rogers.

The big picture: It was the best meal I've had in a long time.

• The steak was perfect, the sides top-shelf and the service first-rate.

The vibe: It's on the sixth floor of Hotel Avail, so the view is better than most restaurants in Rogers.

• The dining room was warm and airy, a welcome change from a lot of other upscale joints.
• Good jazz for background music rounded out the experience.

The other side: Much as I don't like to review chains if it can be helped, Oak Steakhouse is part of a larger group that also operates Junto Sushi in Bentonville.

• There are seven other Oaks throughout the south.

Yes, but: The good news is that the other group is Indigo Road Hospitality, which was recently appointed as the new operations partner for Ropeswing, the hospitality group under Steuart and Tom Walton's Runway Group.

• Maybe Ropeswing's portfolio of good restaurants will get even better.

If you go: Reservations are recommended, and there's a dedicated entrance for the elevator left of the Avail lobby.

• It ain't cheap. Dinner for two, appetizers and two glasses of house wine came in just under $200.

Check it out: Dinner served Sunday-Thursday 4-9pm; Friday and Saturday 4-10pm at 4100 S. Pinnacle Hills Parkway in Rogers. Brunch and bar also available.

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