Written by Greg Ritchie
messenger reporter
CROCKETT – Crockett Walmart® celebrated its official reopening on Friday, Oct. 20, after a 14-week renovation that included new products and renovations to both the store and parking lot. There was some controversy along the way.
It was a beautiful fall morning along the Crockett 304 Loop as vendors set up tents outside their stores and school buses brought in the Crockett ISD band, cheerleaders and Varsity Bulldogs. Lovelady ISD elementary school students also marched to participate in the ceremony.
As the Crockett Fire Department and Police Department stood by, music blared from speakers and store employees gathered to celebrate the work being completed and a return to normalcy.
The ceremony began with store personnel thanking everyone for coming, and then the croquet band wowed the audience with a song accompanied by the Bulldog Cheerleaders’ full-on dancing.
The Little Lions at Lovelady Primary School did not disappoint. They led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and then performed their own Halloween-inspired songs.
Pastor and Crockett City Councilman Dennis Ivey led the group in prayer before singing the national anthem a cappella. Ivy’s prayer included the Lord’s Prayer, and then added: And we are grateful for this day and our community. ”
Walmart® Director of Human Resources and Human Resources Stuart Wells, himself a Crockett alum, thanked attendees for their participation and enthusiasm.
“Today is an important day for our community. Walmart® has invested millions of dollars to bring this store under the Walmart® brand. We didn’t expect to get any attention, but we wanted to serve everyone,” Wells said. “Today is the second best day for the store. It’s beautiful inside. Everything is polished and put together. And it’s for all of you and the community. This store has been here for years to serve you. Thank you very much for your support.”
Crockett Mayor Dr. Ianthea Fisher read a proclamation from the city declaring October 20, 2023… “A Day of Recognition and Celebration to Commemorate the Grand Opening of Walmart® with the Community.” .
“We congratulate the management of Walmart® for their efforts to honor our rich heritage. We are proud that they have chosen to personalize Crockett Walmart® by reflecting our history. “We celebrate the local artists who were selected for this work. We applaud their commitment to extending the work of art to a diversity of communities where it is needed,” Fisher said. Ta. “All the while, we celebrate Walmart’s commitment to diversity as reflected in its people, employees and product choices. We ask that you participate in this momentous occasion, knowing that you will benefit from the opportunity.”
The ceremony followed an official ribbon cutting by the Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce and store officials, who noted the many local organizations that receive donations from the store, including local schools, the Cullins Center and Houston County Share. .
Greg Ritchie can be contacted at: [email protected]