Cabot, Arkansas – The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery is preparing to celebrate one of the biggest moments in lottery history with a special community event in Cabot, the city where the winning ticket for a massive $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot was sold.
The celebration is scheduled for June 12 at Murphy USA 7879, located at 208 S. Rockwood Drive in Cabot. The public has been invited to attend and take part in the festivities as lottery officials recognize both the historic jackpot win and the retailer that sold the life-changing ticket on Christmas Eve.
The winning Powerball ticket brought nationwide and even international attention to the Arkansas community after it matched all the numbers needed to claim the enormous prize. Now, months later, lottery officials are returning to the location to mark the occasion and thank those who played a role in the historic event.
Community celebration planned in Cabot
Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Executive Director Sharon Strong said the event is about more than just recognizing a huge jackpot winner.
“We’re excited not only to celebrate the big win, but also to recognize Murphy USA for selling the winning ticket,” said ASL Executive Director Sharon Strong. “Because Murphy USA is an Arkansas-based retailer, the win feels like a full-circle moment for the state.”
Lottery officials also want to highlight the Cabot community and remind residents that life-changing lottery prizes are not limited to large cities.
Strong emphasized that the historic jackpot placed the city in the spotlight and showed that major lottery wins can happen anywhere.
“The $1.817 billion win brought international attention to Cabot and serves as an important reminder that big wins can happen anywhere,” she said.
The event is set to begin at 10 a.m. and will feature a variety of activities designed to bring the community together. Guests will be able to enjoy games, prizes, and a live radio remote broadcast from KSSN 96. Organizers are also planning additional community-focused activities throughout the celebration.
Several local and state leaders are expected to attend and offer remarks during the event. Among those scheduled to participate are Sharon Strong, representatives from Murphy USA, Brian Evans, Ricky Hill, and James Reid.
Visitors will also have the chance to take part in promotional activities. Anyone who purchases a $2 Powerball ticket can spin the lottery’s prize wheel for a chance to win prizes. Attendees may also enter a special lottery giveaway being offered during the event.
In addition, Coca-Cola will be on site providing product samples and other promotional items for guests.
The celebration is expected to honor not only the record-setting Powerball ticket but also the community that became linked to one of the largest lottery jackpots ever awarded. For Cabot residents and lottery players across Arkansas, the event serves as a reminder that a ticket purchased in a small town can sometimes make history.
