There were hundreds in attendance for the 2011 Freedom in the Park Celebration in Imboden, Arkansas this Saturday afternoon. The weather was perfect and the crowd enjoyed a day of community fellowship honoring our troops.
The event began with a prayer led by Thomas Mabry.  Our local Imboden Boy Scout Troop presentation of the flag by Austin Hurt. Michael Henderson led Scouts Cooper Hale, Cameron Passmore, and Eli Daniels in the Pledge of Allegiance.
 Followed by musical performances by Rue Pace, Hubert Westmoreland, Howard Duckworth,  Mike Mcleod , the Murphy Bluegrass Boys, as well as several special performances by locals like Ava Murphy and others. . Keith Wilson of Pig-N-Out BBQ presided over the grilling of hot dogs,hamburgers, and roast pork. Imboden restaurants McGuire’s, Goodsell’s Diner, and Pig-N-Out BBQ provided donations of the food for the event. Citizen’s Bank of Imboden also played a large part in the donations that made Freedom in the Park such a success.  The Ravenden Masonic Lodge  and Eastern Star donated a boston butts and made monetary donations to the Fallen Heroes Memorial Fund. Children played in the inflatable bounce castle that Carter Irrigation owners Bridget and Jesse Carter once again rented for Freedom in the Park.
The Imboden Girl and Boy Scouts also decorated prior to the event and volunteered by serving and park clean up.
Freedom in the Park is organized each year by Judy Henderson owner of S&H Quick Stop here in Imboden. Judy makes Freedom in Park an annual event here in Imboden that everyone can enjoy free of charge.  Leftovers from Freedom in the Park were donated to the Water Valley Fire Department.  Judy would like to thank EVERYONE who helped to make Freedom in the Park such a success. It’s a great community event and most important makes all of us take the time to honor those who serve our country.
Remember to visit the Arkansas Fallen Heroes Memorial on Hwy 63, the memorial is in Imboden for two weeks which will included the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Donation jars for the Fallen Heroes Memorial are set up at several local businesses including S&H Quick Shop, Pig-N-Out BBQ and Citizens Bank in Imboden.
