As we approach the annual Love the Boot cleanup event in Minden, I want to encourage everyone in our community to not only participate, but to take ownership of this process and make it our own. The City of Minden and the Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce have partnered once again to bring this important initiative to life, and this year, the opportunity for community involvement is greater than ever.
Since its inception, Love the Boot has made a significant impact, and last year’s event was a true testament to what happens when a community comes together for a common cause. Volunteers collected hundreds of pounds of trash and completed beautification projects, helping Minden shine brighter. But this year, we’re aiming for even more – more participants, more projects, and more positive change.
We’ve all heard the phrase “Take pride in your community,” and this is a great opportunity to do just that. Whether you’re picking up litter, planting flowers, or helping beautify public spaces, you’re contributing to the lasting vitality of our beloved Minden.
The event will have two key opportunities for involvement:
Saturday, April 5 (8 AM – 12 PM): Volunteers will help prepare Miller Quarters Park for the upcoming Scottish Tartan Festival, scheduled for April 12.
Wednesday, April 9 (8 AM – 12 PM): A citywide cleanup day will focus on litter collection and beautification projects across Minden.
These are vital opportunities to make a direct impact on the look and feel of our community. It’s not just about cleaning up after ourselves but also about setting the example for future generations. This is a time to show our children and grandchildren the importance of preserving the beauty around us.
After the hard work is done, we’ll celebrate! The Thank You After-Party & Awards Ceremony will be held at Miller Quarters Park on April 9 at 12 PM. There will be music, food, games, and awards in categories such as Most Spirited Team, Largest Team, and Most Litter Collected. It’s a time to celebrate the efforts of everyone who has given their time to make Minden a better place.
But don’t just stop there – take ownership of the process. This isn’t just an event that the Chamber and the City are organizing for us; it’s an opportunity to come together as a community to take pride in our surroundings. Encourage your friends, your family, and your coworkers to join. If you own a business, get your team involved or sponsor cleanup materials and after-party expenses. Remember, this is a chance for all of us to roll up our sleeves and make Minden a place we can all be proud of.
In the spirit of ownership, I challenge each of you to ask, “What can I do to make Minden better?” It’s easy to assume that someone else will take care of it. But the truth is, it’s up to all of us. Let’s show the world what we’re capable of when we work together.
As Chamber President Stephanie Barnette said, “Let’s come together to keep our community clean and beautiful.” And together, we will! Let’s make this year’s Love the Boot cleanup the most impactful one yet.
For more information or to sign up, you can visit the link in the article, and I encourage everyone to get involved. It’s an opportunity to give back, make a difference, and have some fun while doing it. Let’s show Minden what true community spirit looks like.
Together, we can make Minden shine brighter than ever!
David Specht is president of Specht Newspapers, Inc., Publisher of the Minden Press-Herald, Bossier Press-Tribune, and BIZ Magazine.