Crowds show out to Civic Center Park for StroudStock

Sep. 7—It was a busy weekend Downtown as community members enjoyed various festivities, including the 4th annual StroudStock.

StroudStock brought out musical performances, vendors and plenty of fun for the kids. It also featured adoptable animals at the animal shelter.

Ashley Stroud, one of the founders of StroudStock, explained why they started the festival.

"We started StroudStock because we wanted to offer a free community event for the community here," Stroud said.

Stroud shared why they chose this specific date for their event.

"We decided to have it the Saturday before 9/11," Stroud said. "We really thought in that tragic moment, our community was very, as a nation, we were very tight. And we're both pretty patriotic, so we thought a great way to also honor our first responders here. They give so much to the community. So it will continue moving forward the Saturday before 9/11 always."

Ed Stroud, StroudStock's co-founder, shared his excitement for the first responders in attendance at the event.

"We've got every division of the first responders you could have here today," Stroud said. "And they brought all the stuff out and all the kids get to climb through it, they get to actually interact with our community's heroes in a lot of ways. So, super excited about that."

At the event, there were also adoptable animals from the animal shelter.

Dogs and cats were available, with many furry friends looking for new homes.

Sharon Lawrence, a volunteer with the animal shelter, expressed that she has a passion for helping the animals find homes.

"I thoroughly enjoy it," Lawrence said. "I love doing these events. I do them all the time for 'em. I just, it just makes me so happy to see the dogs get homes."

The founders explained that the festival could not happen without all of the help from their sponsors and the community.