Picnic honoring county’s first responders slated for Sept. 11

A First Responders Appreciation Picnic on Sept. 11 is a way to say thanks to those putting their lives on the line every day, organizers say. 

The Madison County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Georgia Blue to honor first responders. 

Julene Stewart, an event volunteer for the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, said Georgia Blue reached out to the Chamber about doing an event to honor first responders, and after settling on a community picnic, they met with the city of Madison about holding it at Liberty Park.

“We are so appreciative of Georgia Blue and the City of Madison for their help as they’ve been a huge impact of making this event happen for us,” Stewart said. “They’re going to feed all the first responders with meals like hamburgers or chicken, and they’re doing it as a way to give back to them and say thank you.”

Stewart said along with Georgia Blue providing meals for the first responders, everyone in the community is invited to come out and celebrate from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on September 11 with food trucks, live music, a kid’s zone for $5 with face paint and bounce houses, and a thank-you card station where kids can make their own cards for the first responders.

She said this is the first time the city is doing a community picnic like this and hopes to make it a reoccurring annual event like the Parade of Honor during Law Enforcement Appreciation Week.

“Everyone is invited and it’s going to be a ton of fun,” Stewart said. “The kid’s costume contest is going to be a highlight and we’re excited for kids to make their own thank you cards or bring their own from home.”

Stewart noted that all money raised at the picnic goes toward the Madison County First Responders Fund to aid first responders who are injured or in need.

The First Annual First Responders Appreciation Picnic is on Sunday, Sept. 11 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Liberty Park in Madison. For more information, call Stewart at 601-862-0542.