Good morning, Springdale.

Kristen Dunning, who secured a Shark Tank deal for her flower-based Gently Soaps, pitched her products to Walmart and Sam’s Club officials at an Open Call event in Bentonville this week—entrepreneurs received a crash course and mentoring from past winners.

Local journalists in Springdale will perform humorous sketches at the NWA Gridiron Show on Oct.

24-25 at the Medium — a downtown venue — to raise funds for journalism scholarships; the show will include two 45-minute acts with a 20-minute intermission and open its doors at 6 p.m. Fayetteville mayor Molly Rawn will serve as emcee.

Today in Springdale, the National Retail Federation reports that Halloween costs will average $114.45—up $11 from last year as tariffs on imported goods from China push prices higher.

Eleni Parsons, owner of Farm Land Adventures, said local farms plan to adjust operations so families can visit pumpkin patches without facing steep costs.

Ryan Gehrig of Mercy said the 75th anniversary Rogers hospital faces funding challenges from federal Medicaid cuts—he will leave his dual role in Northwest Arkansas and return to serve the Fort Smith area as the system works to lower costs and improve care.

Bentonville West sophomore VJ Warren was named player of the week after scoring four touchdowns in the win over Springdale — Coach Bryan Pratt said he plans to build a strong backfield with Braden Nash this season.

Arkansas players including quarterback Taylen Green and running back Mike Washington spoke before their game against No. 12 Tennessee and discussed interim head coach Bobby Petrino’s first two weeks and the tough challenge of playing in Knoxville— they plan to work hard for a strong performance.

Matt Jones and Christina Long report that the Razorbacks' NIL collective closed — they also review SEC football efficiency scores through Week 6 on the WholeHogSports Daily Podcast.

Their discussion explains the key sports developments affecting the local college scene.

Arkansas Symbols Day at Shiloh Museum

8:30 a.m. — Shiloh Museum — Volunteer opportunity — Help engage young students with the state bird, the Mockingbird, at this educational outreach event.

Fall Fun at Farmland Adventures

3-9 p.m. — Farmland Adventures — Ticket required — Enjoy a giant corn maze, pumpkin picking, pony rides, and family-friendly activities this fall.

35th Annual Ozark Regional Arts & Crafts Festival

9 AM – 8 PM — Northwest Arkansas Convention Center — $18.6M predicted spend — Celebrate local artistry with a wide array of handcrafted goods at this beloved festival.

Halloween Boxing Show

6-10:30 p.m. — Springdale Civic Center — Costumes encouraged — Experience a night of boxing, community fun, and trick-or-treat festivities.

Gobbler Race Series 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon

8 a.m. — Shaw Family Park, Springdale, AR — Registration required — Lace up your running shoes for a festive community challenge with 5K, 10K, and half marathon options.