Chamber Cookout Draws Large Crowd As Community Weekend Continues

Darren Doyle, story and photos
A big community weekend continued today as a large crowd visited the courthouse square at the annual Chamber of Commerce Cookout.

Free hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, and ice cold drinks were served to attendees as they enjoyed live music from the band "BlackGold." Kids had loads of fun as the 4-H Pony Express Club offered free horse rides to anyone looking to hop into the saddle.

"The crowd has been great today," said Chamber Board Member Maegan Hance of SERVPRO during the event. "You know, I think we had just as large of a crowd last year, but there's more activity this year. People are moving around, having a great time. The kids love the horse rides and the live music has been great, too."

Other Chamber and community members kept the grill busy while other volunteers helped serve food and drinks. SERVPRO sponsored the food and supplied the grill.

"We had a good steady crowd all day today," said Chamber Director Rhonda Clemmons. "Everyone seems to be having a great time," she said while at the event.

The free cookout followed a successful Freedom Fest on Friday night, also free, where a huge crowd enjoyed a dazzling fireworks show.