Arkansas Democrats Gather for National Convention

This week, Arkansas Democrats gather in Charlotte, North Carolina for the Democratic National Convention.

Arkansas has 55 delegates and alternates to the Democratic National Convention, but there are dozens of other Arkansans who traveled to Charlotte to join in the various festivities.  As they do at every national convention, the Democratic Party of Arkansas hosts a variety of events for Arkansans.

One event in particular that stands out is on Tuesday where the DPA hosts “A Party Two Decades in the Making” honoring former President Bill Clinton.

The DPA says in addition to the former president, they have confirmed the following special guests: will.i.am, Ashley Judd and Adrian Grenier. Judd has an Arkansas connection as she filmed “Come Early Morning” here back in 2006, which was directed by North Little Rock native Joey Lauren Adams.

Twenty years ago, Clinton received the Presidential nomination in New York City, hence the mouthful name of a party. Apparently, this is one of the only major events Clinton is attending at the convention with the exception of his giving the nomination speech for Barack Obama.

I’ve attended three national conventions — New York City, Boston and Denver — and I can tell you that each day is jam-packed with various activities, receptions and parties, but I opted out of Charlotte this year since the town reminds me of a very large Little Rock, but with more BBQ.

Here is a list of events hosted by the Democratic Party of Arkansas over the course of the National Convention:

Saturday, September 1
6:00 p.m.
Call the Hogs Welcome Party for Arkansas Delegates
Hampton Inn Lobby, 2731 Little Rock Road, Charlotte, North Carolina

Tuesday, September 4
DPA Delegate Breakfast Caucus  – Special Guests: Attorney General Dustin McDaniel and Attorney General Beau Biden with special guest Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler

5:00 p.m.
A Party Two Decades in the Making honoring President Bill Clinton, 20 years after he received the nomination for President

Confirmed Special Guests include will.i.am, Ashley Judd and Adrian Grenier
The Westin Charlotte Ballroom, 601 South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina

Wednesday, September 5
8:00 a.m.
DPA Delegate Breakfast Caucus – Special Guests: Senator Mark Pryor and Attorney General Beau Biden of Delaware

2:00 p.m.
Arkansas Party honoring Governor Mike Beebe
Bernardin’s Restaurant, 435 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte

Thursday, September 6
8:00 a.m.
DPA Delegate Breakfast Caucus – Special guests: Governor Mike Beebe and Terry McAuliffe of Virginia