BEMIDJI — Nymore Park buzzed with activity Tuesday, July 29, as hundreds of people gathered for a free picnic.
Local farmers served burgers, salads and sides; and visitors could drop off raffle tickets at different stations to win prizes from local businesses. Kids visited the petting zoo and played yard games set up near vendor booths in the park.
The event was organized by the Headwaters Regional Development Commission and the city of Bemidji. Emma Realing with the city’s recreation department said there’s been a push for togetherness after last month’s devastating storm.
"People had structural damage to their homes. They lost the beautiful things that make their homes what they are," Realing said. "Putting on these events together where people can come together — it's free, it's accessible — and people can really see the power of community and what it means when we come together.”
Each raffle ticket station had specific questions, like, “What do you like about Bemidji?" or, "What would you like to see improved?”
"Bemidji Strong" is a tagline used throughout the home of the Lumberjacks since the storm. Community service officer Drew Murphy Vossberg commended residents for stepping up.
"Understanding that this is an insane weather event that we have dealt with that no one knew was coming,” Murphy Vossberg said, “it's just, how can we work together? Because the only way we can deal with it is together.”
Alexander Aman of Nebish was hired to capture video of the event, a gig he was glad to take on.
“This is something that's really important to the community to gather, to spend time being in each other's presence," Aman said. “There's different races, religions, political views — everybody coming together just as one community here. And that's so important for healing and getting through some of the times that the community has experienced.”
Another neighborhood picnic is planned for Sept. 17.
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