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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Chris Powell | chris.powell@sos.arkansas.gov | (501) 683-0057
(LITTLE ROCK, ARK.) – Due to a weather forecast for rain this Saturday evening, the Capitol Lighting Ceremony has been moved from the front steps of the Capitol to the second floor rotunda inside the building. The event will start at 5:30 PM. Due to the weather, the fireworks that were scheduled following the ceremony have been cancelled. All other activities will continue as planned.
Arkansas Secretary of State Mark Martin will host the 78th
Anniversary of the State Capitol Lighting Ceremony. This year’s event will be
hosted by North Little Rock Police Officer Tommy Norman. Officer Tommy Norman
has been a police officer with the North Little Rock Police Department since
1998; in that time, Tommy has become a national star for his dedication as a
police officer and as a leading voice for community policing. Tommy’s social
media following of over one million people allows him to share his experiences
and the positive impact he has on his community. He has been featured on The
Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox News, CNN, and in The New York Times.
For the remainder of his term, Secretary of State Mark
Martin has chosen to honor those who have dedicated themselves to public
service at each year’s lighting ceremony. This year, we honor
firefighters. The 2016 Capitol
Christmas ornament (pictured below) features the Arkansas Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial. Next year, the ceremony will honor police
officers, and for Secretary Martin’s final Capitol Lighting Ceremony, we will
honor those who are serving, or have served, in the military.
This annual event is special for all Arkansans. The tradition of lighting the Capitol began
in 1938, when then Secretary of State “Crip” Hall began this time-honored
tradition as a gift to children at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. He himself suffered from polio as a child and
wanted to help lift the spirits of children suffering from life threatening
illnesses. Not only did he lift their
spirits, but as a leader, he showed empathy, kindness, and joy to these
children in their time of need.
In honor of this tradition, we continue to light the entire
Capitol Building so it will be visible from Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Representatives from Arkansas Easter Seals
will assist with the lighting.
The public is invited to come to the Capitol for this special time of holiday activities and to see all of the
Christmas decorations. Following the ceremony, the Arkansas
Gospel Mass Choir will perform on the second floor of the rotunda. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to see
all of the children in his workshop, also in the second floor rotunda. Author Carol Dabney will be reading “Twas the
Mouse Before Christmas” in the Old Supreme Court Room.
Come join us for a great time of holiday fun at your
Arkansas State Capitol this Saturday evening, December 3rd, starting
at 5:30 PM.
If you cannot join us this Saturday, the Capitol will be open to the public during the holiday season during regular business hours Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, and on weekends and holidays from 10 am to 3 pm.
 [Click to order the 2016 Christmas Ornament]
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