Mayor

Dear Bentonites,

Wow — the hottest month of the year wrapped up by giving us some of the coolest August days on record! Absolutely amazing — but that’s Benton for you!

As we look back at the fantastic things that happened in August, I want to share some highlights and a few exciting stats:

✨ Amplify Music Festival
Yes, I know the extra traffic, busy restaurants, and crowded shops may have been a bit inconvenient, but what an impact this event made! Over 38,000 people attended the free two-day concert behind Holland Chapel Church. Attendees came from 22 states and 282 different zip codes across Arkansas — with only about 10% of attendees from Benton itself. More than 500 local volunteers made this event a success. What an incredible way to shine a spotlight on our city!

🎓 Benton Chamber’s School Showcase
The Benton Chamber hosted an outstanding event featuring superintendents from six area schools. It was an inspiring evening where leaders shared their visions for their schools, showcasing just how amazing — and fast-growing — our educational community is. Special thanks to Lamont Cornwell for doing a stellar job as host!

🥕 The Benton Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday from 7 AM to 1 PM, downtown Benton comes alive with fresh produce, homemade goods, and friendly faces. If you haven’t stopped by, you’re missing out on one of Benton’s best weekend traditions — our Farmer’s Market truly is something special.

🎶 Third Thursday Fun
This month’s Third Thursday brought out over 4,000 people for live music, food, and fun. The weather was surprisingly pleasant, and a slight breeze made it a perfect evening to enjoy the band and local food trucks (some even sold out — a great sign of community support!).

🏈 The Salt Bowl
We closed out August with the Salt Bowl returning to Benton. Huge thanks to our schools, National Guard, Parks, Streets, Police, Fire, and all city staff for their teamwork. As we always say, “Together, we can do more!” The Salt Bowl is proof of that.

What’s Coming Up in September:

• Sept. 1 – Labor Day – City offices closed

• Sept. 2 – Saline County Fair Parade (starting at C.W. Lewis)

• Sept. 3–6 – Saline County Fair

• Sept. 4 – Ducks Unlimited Banquet

• Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 – Farmer’s Market – 7 AM to 1 PM

• Sept. 8–9 – Committee Meetings – 5 PM

• Sept. 10 – A&P Commission Meeting – 3:30 PM

• Sept. 11 – Benton Chamber Business After Hours

• Sept. 18 – Saline County Home Builders Scramble

• Sept. 18 – Third Thursday

• Sept. 19 – Rob Williams Scramble

• Sept. 22 – City Council Meeting – 5:30 PM

• Sept. 27 – Benton City Swap Meet – 410 River Street

• Sept. 27 – Police/Fire Softball Tournament

Stay Connected!
We do our best to keep the community updated, but we can only share events we know about. We don't know what we don't know. If your group, business, or organization has something planned, please reach out so we can help spread the word.

📞 Call Toby at 501-315-6008
📧 Email Toby.Hirscheider@bentonar.org

Together, let’s keep building a strong, vibrant, and connected Benton. Thank you for being the heart of our city.

Your friend,
Tom

Posted September 2025