Courtesy Winnfield Police Department
City of Winnfield and Winn Parish departments, along with residents from Calvin and Dodson areas, were on hand Friday, September 6, with the crowd gathered at the local Walmart Store #244 to celebrate the grand opening of the remodeled superstore.
A parade from the old Walmart location (Fred’s) to the current store site marked the start of the event, with emergency vehicles from the Winnfield Police Department, Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Winnfield Fire Department, and the District 3 Fire Department. Cheerleaders and pep squads from Calvin, Dodson and Winnfield Senior High School travelled on the Fire Trucks. Lights and sirens were plentiful and loud.
The City was well-represented by community leaders and first responders, including Mayor Gerald Hamms, Police Chief Johnny Ray Carpenter, Fire Chief Brian Montgomery and a gathering of police officers and firemen. Winn Parish was also well represented by Sheriff Josh McAllister, District Fire Chief Dustin Parker and his crew, and many Winn Parish citizens as well as store employees.
Walmart district and regional managers were on hand to handle the ceremonies which included the opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a singing of the National Anthem, and a welcome extended to all officials. Each Parish and City official was allowed a few moments to talk about the impact that Walmart has on the community. The cheerleading/Pep squad teams from Winnfield, Calvin and Dodson demonstrated their professional level cheers in support of the store’s associates.
Walmart officials reported some $6 million was spent in store’s remodeling while another $1 million was spent on resurfacing and restricting the parking lot.
At the end of the ceremonies, Walmart officials presented grants to several different organizations which included a check presented to Police Chief Johnny Ray Carpenter for the annual Shop-with-a Cop in the amount of $1,000. Also given was $1,000 to the Rapides Foundation and $500 for Louisiana Teen Challenge.
