By Bonnie Culverhouse

Downtown and Minden Recreation Center were standing room only Saturday and thousands of fans turned out to celebrate Super Bowl Champ and Minden native L’Jarius Sneed.

Sneed said the parade was “wilder than last year.” There were more than 75 entries.

“The parade was crazy,” Sneed said. “I was having a great time. The fact that everybody came out to celebrate me is a blessing.”

Everyone from the parade and more filed out to the Rec Center where Sneed’s parents, previous coaches, pastors and dignitaries honored him. 

Coordinator Michael Walker said he is unsure about the number of people who attended but knows it was more than 1,000 because they ran out of hotdogs. Luckily, they had more food.

“We stayed until the last person was fed and JJ signed autographs for all who wanted one,” Walker said. The line was around the side of the building, as security let seekers in a few at a time for autographs.

“Thanks to everyone who made it possible,” Walker added. “It was a great time. We left around 4:30.”