Gov. Sanders to visit Benton sites on Oct 28th during ‘Capital for a Day’
Gov. Sanders is pictured above in a file photo at the opening of Buc-ee’s Travel Center on August 17, 2026. Also pictured at left, in profile is Buc-ee’s owner, Arch “Beaver” Aplin, III, and at middle, Shane Broadway, Vice President for University Relations at Arkansas State University.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has released her official schedule for Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, when Benton serves as Arkansas’ 28th “Capital for a Day.” The governor will host public meet-and-greets, deliver major announcements at local facilities, and conduct private roundtable discussions across Saline County. Read more below for why the Governor chose Benton and what the schedule will be.
Why Benton?
In the Governor’s executive proclamation signed Oct. 26, 2026, she outlined Benton’s rich heritage, cultural traditions, and civic milestones since its incorporation on March 15, 1836. Located along the Saline River just minutes outside Little Rock, Benton serves as the county seat of Saline County.
The official proclamation highlighted several key historical points and cultural traditions defining the city:
Civil War History
Following the capture of Little Rock in 1863, Union troops moved south into Benton and constructed Fort Bussey.
Niloak Pottery
Benton earned widespread recognition in the 20th century for Niloak Pottery, crafted from unique local clay deposits and now preserved at the Gann Museum.
World War II Legacy
Air Force Capt. Ewell Ross McCright of Benton recorded notes on cigarette paper while confined in a German prisoner-of-war camp, which were later used as evidence during the Nuremberg Trials.
Film & Arts Connections
The community served as filming locations for Burt Reynolds’ 1973 movie “White Lightning” and Billy Bob Thornton’s 1996 film “Sling Blade.”
Community Traditions
Modern community anchors noted in the proclamation include live shows at the historic Royal Theatre, Old Fashioned Day at the courthouse, and the annual Salt Bowl football rivalry against neighboring Bryant.
When & Where?
The visit will feature a mix of open press events, along with some closed working sessions with local educational, industrial, and health leaders. The governor’s official itinerary for Wednesday, Oct. 28, outlines the following times and locations:
8:00 a.m.
Westside Pharmacy Meet-and-Greet
(Open to press)
Sanders will begin the day hosting a public meet-and-greet open to the press at Westside Pharmacy, located at 1525 Military Road in Benton.
10:00 a.m.
Benton National Guard Armory
(Open to press)
The governor will visit the Benton National Guard Armory at 721 Fairfield Road in Benton to deliver an official announcement.
11:10 a.m.
Howard Perrin Elementary School Visit
(Closed to public)
Sanders will visit students and faculty at Howard Perrin Elementary School in Benton.
1:00 p.m.
New Beginnings Pregnancy Center
(Open to press)
The governor will visit the New Beginnings Pregnancy Center at 8611 Hwy 5 N in Alexander to deliver an announcement.
2:15 p.m.
CoorsTek Visit
(Closed to public)
Sanders will tour the CoorsTek facility in Benton.
3:30 p.m.
UAMS Benton-Bryant/10:33 Initiative Roundtable
(Closed to public)
The governor will host a closed roundtable discussion focusing on the state’s 10:33 Initiative at UAMS Benton-Bryant.
Benton was designated as the state’s seat of government for the day under an executive proclamation signed Oct. 26, recognizing the community’s civic history, economic contributions, and local traditions.
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