The City of Laurel showed it’s appreciation of those working to serve the citizens of Laurel, conducting its first Employee Appreciation Cookout Friday.

Officials from all offices in the city, the police and fire departments, along with elected officials and their staffs gathered at K.C. Bottom Park to take part in the activity.

Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack said all city employees were invited to participate in the fellowship.

“We have some hard working employees here in the City of Laurel,” Mack said. “This is just a small way for us to say we appreciate the work that they do.”

Wanda Benson with the city’s Public Relations Department coordinated the event.

“We are just showing employees appreciation for what they have done,” Benson said. “We just want to tell them that they are appreciated for the service they provide.”

Benson said all 365 city employees along with summer workers and others were invited to share in the food and fellowship.

Jimmie Smith with Government Consultants was on hand to witness the event.

Smith said his company donated the meats for the event.

Benson said the event “did not cost the city of Laurel anything. Everything was donated.”

“We are thankful for all the local businesses that donated toward this effort,” Benson said. “Along with Government Consultants, we received donations from McAllister’s, Catfish One, the Smokehouse, United Water and Flowers’ Bread Store.”

Everyone was served a variety of meats — which ranged from ribs, sliced and pulled pork, and sausage — to potato salad, cole slaw and baked beans.

Organizers said the event was designed to increase morale while promoting camaraderie.

Eddie Windham, an employee of United Water, said the event was “great. It’s a good way to mix and mingle with other employees.”

Police Chief Walter “Bear” Martin agreed.