Local civic groups, leaders and the community gathered early Friday morning for a Henryetta Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held during the Walmart Henryetta Grand Re-Opening.

The department store’s event was attended by local civic organizations, community leaders, visitors as well as area residents.

Henryetta Cub Scout Pack 118 opened the event with the Presentation of Colors followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

A $2,500 grant was presented to the Henryetta Police Department and a $250 grant was donated to the Eagle Ops Foundation by Henryetta Walmart Store Manager Ringo Spurlock.

“Next year, we will reach out earlier to assist other local non-profits and first responders in getting set up to receive our grants,” Spurlock said. “We currently employ five veterans, myself included, and we also donate to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 539 who are kind enough to provide us with a new flag about once a quarter.”

Chamber directors and store associates then gathered together for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

“Some of the things you will see with this remodel are new flooring, updated signage and lighting and a bathroom remodel,” Spurlock said. “There is also a new assortment of goods and merchandise. We are also proud of our new parking lot replacement.”

Spurlock recognized over 100 team members and thanked them for their hard work and enduring patience during the remodel.

Ten associates were specially recognized with a combined experience of just over 250 years in working at the Henryetta Walmart.

Associates included:

• Fannie Frye, 20 years.

• Anna Stockholm, 21 years.

• Pauline McCoy, 22 years.

• Amber Rogers, 23 years.

• Bill Fletcher, 23 years.

• Loretta Gold, 25 years.

• Keith Tiger, 25 years.

• Linda Fletcher, 31 years.

• Bobby Holden, 31 years.

• Stephanie Jones, 31 years. “What an accomplishment!” Spurlock said. “I’d like to thank my entire team, over 100 associates, for the struggles and stressors they had to endure while going through a remodel in the middle of Deals for Days events and holidays.”

In addition to the Community Grant Program, Henryetta Walmart has also donated to local fundraisers, schools, churches, other groups and organizations.

Those attending enjoyed blue and yellow buttercream-topped cupcakes and were able to play the store’s own version of Plinko with several prizes awarded.