The eighth annual City of Greenwood Employee Appreciation Picnic has a new location this year: the Leflore County Agri-Center.
That day, most city employees will work until noon and then head over for fun, games and plenty of good food.
Thirty-seven sponsors pay all the costs associated with the picnic; no city funds are used.
The picnic once was held in June and then was moved to October to beat the summer heat. However, that put the gathering in competition with football, said Ward 4 City Councilman Charles McCoy, who organizes the event.
“By having it on July 31, the kids are still out of school. It gives the employees a chance to bring their families over,” McCoy said.
Putting the event indoors also removes the possibility of unpredictable weather spoiling the fun.
As in the past, there will be inflatables for the children, as well as games, dancing, volleyball and horseback riding. This year’s picnic also includes a watermelon-eating contest.
Larry Kelly of Larry’s Fish House of Itta Bena will once again supply catfish plates and ribs.
McCoy said the picnic could not be a success without the countless volunteers who work to put it on.
He said it is intended to show the city’s hard-working employees that they are appreciated by everyone.
“It makes them all feel more like family,” he said.
