Meet the Heart of Fort Smith’s Creative Hub: Rachel Testa - Ep 49

Описание: 🎙️ In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith Podcast, hosts Josh and Ashley sit down with the vibrant and multi-talented Rachel Testa, a driving force behind The Bakery District and The Mill co-working space. Born and raised in Fort Smith, Rachel shares her inspiring journey from serving tables to spearheading major events like Street Fest and creating community connections through co-working innovation.

Learn how Rachel and the team are reshaping downtown Fort Smith into a lively, inclusive hub with everything from cornhole tournaments and trivia nights, to vendor festivals, live music, and Miss America appearances! 🌟

She also dives into her love for Caroline Cross Park, her involvement with local foundations, and the growing downtown ecosystem—showing how collaboration over competition is helping Fort Smith thrive. This episode is packed with heart, local pride, and inspiration for anyone looking to get more involved in the community. 💬✨

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Relevant Links:
• The Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bak...
• Caroline Cross Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/car...
• Fort Smith Coffee Co.: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/for...
• AJ’s Oyster House: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/ajs...
• Peacemaker Festival: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/pea...
• Fort Smith Symphony: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/for...
• National Historic Site (Nearby): https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/for...

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Chapters:

00:00 Welcome & Guest Intro – Rachel Testa
00:49 Rachel’s Fort Smith Roots & Family History
01:35 How Fort Smith Has Evolved
02:31 Getting Involved in Downtown
03:19 Creating & Growing Street Fest
04:27 Celebrating Local Talent & Community
05:38 Twisted Cat TV & Street Fest Partnership
06:24 Family-Friendly Fun at Caroline Cross Park
07:22 Park Upgrades & Hidden Gems
08:22 Weekly Cornhole Tournaments
09:33 Trivia, Karaoke, and Live Music
10:56 Upcoming Fall Festival & Whitney’s Race
11:42 Event Rentals & Community Hub Spaces
12:31 The Mill – Fort Smith’s Co-Working Heart
13:41 Member Perks & Unexpected Friendships
14:35 Community Impact of The Mill
15:22 Vision for the Future of The Bakery District
16:04 Revitalizing Downtown Fort Smith
17:22 Surprising First-Time Visitors
18:00 Events & Organizations at the Bakery
19:19 Shoutout to DIGS, Youth, and Live Performances
20:01 Running a Community Hub – Lessons & Growth
21:25 Collaboration Over Competition
22:12 Creative Events Born from Members
23:14 Education, Fun, and Networking at The Mill
24:21 Rachel’s Community Involvement Beyond the Bakery
25:07 Involvement in Riverwalk Foundation & Levitt
25:45 Rachel as a Local Ambassador
26:08 Favorite Local Eats & Hangouts
27:00 Hidden Gems in the Brunswick Place Area
28:06 Final Thoughts & Gratitude