Jonesboro and Paragould will serve as Arkansas’ “Capital for a Day” on August 11 and 12, respectively, as part of a program designed to connect state officials with local communities. The events, announced in a proclamation by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders on August 7, will bring senior members of state government to the region to meet with local leaders and residents.
Jonesboro, established in 1859 and incorporated in 1883, will kick off the program on August 11. The city, named for State Senator William Jones who authored legislation to create Craighead County, is a major hub for agriculture and food processing. It hosts companies such as Riceland Foods, Frito-Lay, Nestlé, and ConAgra Foods. Other key institutions include Arkansas State University — the state’s second-largest university — and St. Bernards Healthcare, one of the city’s largest employers. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy a variety of attractions, including hiking, camping, fishing, concerts at the ASU Fowler Center, and the annual Downtown Jonesboro BBQ Music Festival.
The neighboring city of Paragould will host its Capital for a Day event on August 12. As the seat of Greene County, Paragould was incorporated in 1883 and is named after two prominent railroad executives, James Paramore and Jay Gould. The city initially grew as a trading center and remains known for its production of hardwood products. Paragould also has a notable historical connection: Junius Marion Futrell, Arkansas' 13th governor who led the state through the Great Depression, once practiced law there and served on the local circuit court.
Nicknamed “the Friendly City,” Paragould offers a welcoming community experience with attractions such as Crowley’s Ridge State Park and the Loose Caboose Festival. It is also home to Baptist Memorial Healthcare, formerly known as Arkansas Methodist Medical Center.
The Capital for a Day program reflects Sanders' efforts to enhance engagement between state government and local communities by providing opportunities for dialogue and collaboration.