As I write this column today, we are celebrating the Fourth of July. It is also known as Independence Day, the federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States July 4, 1776. Our office is closed today in observance of it, but work was done over this weekend.
Fireworks are always a big part of Fourth of July celebrations, and I want to personally thank the companies that made sure there were fireworks in our city! Standard Lithium reached out after I spoke with Plant Manager Bruce Sietz and Will Smith at a meeting held at the Chamber of Commerce for local plant updates. I genuinely appreciate them and their CEO, Robert Mintak for making sure their support of the city including sponsoring the fireworks this year! They are a huge asset to our city and a mutual respect and support exists between them and our citizens. Their sponsorship along with the second-year donation of Murphy USA made the fireworks possible with no cost to the city and for that, we should all show our gratitude!
In addition to the fireworks, there were other events that I was pleased to be a part of over the last few days. M. A. Y. O. R. Sunshine & MyStiQ Entertainment, which are, respectively, my personal giving platform and native Terry Davis’ business collaborated to do “Back in the Daze” Youth Events on July 1 and 2, including a Football Camp and Horse Play.
The Football Camp was held at Mattocks Park in the city and was hosted by NFL greats, Eric Matthews and Kevin Payne, former Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears players, respectively, along with other EHS Alumni and area PeeWee Football Leagues to teach youth ages 8 to 18 years old the fundamentals of football and how those dynamics are essential to the game called life.
Horse Play was held at Morris Manor where area youth were able to ride horses, catch fish, play outdoor games and just enjoy being outside playing! Some of the youth rode a horse or caught a fish for the first time! These activities were open to all youth free of cost through donations and sponsorships from Barbara Breggs Insurance, State Representative Matthew Shepherd, Greg Modica/Government Supply Service and Sims Mortuary Inc., locally, and out of state sponsors Al Johnson/UniformBundleMart.com, Jarran Reed and El Dorado native, Sonny Butler.
Other activities over the weekend included karaoke and comedy presented by promoter Jeremy Owens hosted by Comedian Kerwin Claiborne at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium; the L. C. & Hazel Ross Memorial Scholarship Weekend events including a Golf Tournament at Lions Club Park, our city golf course; a concert featuring Front Cover Band using our city stage; Family Fun Day at Washington Middle school including events for all ages; and an Alumni Mixer/Fish Fry at the Elks Lodge, where events were held each night from July 1 to 3.
All these events were held at city venues, by city residents or natives for city residents or natives and those from the surrounding areas. These events are some of the grassroots events that keep El Dorado on people’s minds and in their hearts!
Today I pray everyone is resting after having a wonderful and eventful weekend! I know I am!
Veronica Smith-Creer is the Mayor of El Dorado. She can be reached at [email protected].