The Minden South-Webster Chamber of Commerce held its annual first responders appreciation event a little differently this year.
Hundreds came out to the Minden Recreation Complex’s soccer fields to enjoy a beautiful day of fellowship and reverence with our area’s local first responders. Local police officers, firemen, Life Air Rescue helicopter crew and the Louisiana National Guard were a few of the many represented at the family-friendly event.
Children played carnival games and played in jump houses while adults and fellow first responders mingled and enjoyed free food and beverages provided by local businesses on site to show their gratitude on the anniversary of 9/11.
“We’re excited we were able to open this event up to the community,” Chamber President Stephanie Barnett said. “It’s great to be able to bring the community and our first responders together for a chance to just get out and have a fun evening.”
The crowd began trickling in shortly after the event’s 4:30 p.m. start time and continued to grow into the night. In previous years, the chamber held the event in a formal dinner setting, but Barnett said the chamber wanted to offer something more interactive.
Minden Mayor Tommy Davis was among those in attendance and impressed with the vision and execution of the Chamber and collaborating businesses.
“I’m real proud of the Chamber and everyone involved,” Davis said. “We’ve always done it at the Civic Center, but this format is great and I think it’s going to work out well. It looks like the business community in town have greatly supported this endeavor.”