An estimated 72 union members, their relatives including children, friends and supporters of organized labor attended the annual Labor Day Labor Picnic on Sept. 7, 2026. It was a record number of diners, who heard from 14 political candidates.
The program comprised welcomes by Ben Pollock, president of UA-Fayetteville Education Association / Local 965, the chapter’s immediate past president Hershel Hartford and Walter Hinojosa, president of the Northwest Arkansas Central Labor Council (AFL-CIO). The two groups co-hosted the cookout, with the NWA chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America a co-sponsor having helped defray expenses. Also welcoming the picnickers was Lisa Parks, prosecuting attorney-elect for the 4th Judicial District (Washington and Madison counties).
Candidates speaking included (in order of speaking at the picnic):
- Wendy Howerton, candidate for the Division 2 seat on the 4th Judicial Circuit
- Haley Hall, candidate for Fayetteville City Council Ward 3, Position 1
- Dana Deree, Democratic nominee for County Judge of Washington County
- Kristin Pawlik, candidate for the Division 2 seat on the 4th Judicial Circuit
- Member Sarah Moore of the Fayetteville City Council Ward 2, Position 1
- Kyle Smith, candidate for Fayetteville City Council Ward 4, Position 1
- Jamie Atkinson, Democratic nominee for Arkansas House Dist. 19 (south Springdale, Johnson and north Fayetteville)
- Blake Pennington, candidate for Fayetteville city attorney
- Robb Ryerse, Democratic nominee for U.S. House Dist. 3
- Dan Holtmeyer, Democratic nominee for state House Dist. 15 (Rogers)
- DJ Deutsch, candidate for Fayetteville city attorney
- Annedella Hines, Democratic nominee for Washington County justice of the peace, Dist. 7
- State Rep. Diana Gonzales Worthen, D-Dist. 9 (Springdale)
- John Coleman, candidate for Fayetteville City Council Ward 2 Position 1
The column “Big Tense” is Ben Pollock’s fleshing out his remarks of welcome.
UA-Fayetteville Education Association 