To celebrate its ninth-year anniversary, the team at Bee’s Marketplace hosted a party the whole community enjoyed on Saturday, April 30 at the store located on 1045 South Central Street in Colorado City. View more photos here.

The all-day event included an extensive list of fun activities including:

· Free samples (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

· Free raffles

· Face painting

· Free flowers and a floral sale

· Guess the weight of the produce bins (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

· Banana car races

· Bobby the Banana from Dole®

· Beans & Brews Dole®

· Arctic Circle Dole®

· Free souvenirs from the pharmacy

· MCS Children’s Choir (11 a.m.)

· Free cookie decorating

· Dole® deli meal special

· Free chocolate pineapple and chocolate banana samples

· Free ice cream bars

· Wine sale

· Live music (see below)

The live music featured Justin Naylor, a local artist known for his vocals and acoustic guitar. Following Justin, Marji Mozart, a talented rock band, performed their own catchy, award-winning originals, as well as many well-known hits from several decades and genres from 8 – 9:30 p.m.

Dole® and other brands made major contributions to ensure all who participate could celebrate food, fun and the community with their local grocer. Additionally, The AFS marketing team helped promote the event by coordinating a radio remote and obtaining coverage in local media.

“We truly pulled out all the stops for this event,” said Trish Barlow, store director. “We are so grateful for the incredible support we receive from the community every day and wanted to show our gratitude in a way that is uniquely Bee’s. We are grateful so many could take advantage of the festivities throughout this exciting day.”