By Marilyn Miller

The Minden Teen Challenge “Freedom Walk” 2024 celebration took place Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at The Broken Bean on McDonald Street.

Nearly 100 adults, children, teens and little ones in strollers started the day with the annual walk/run challenge, which went by the motto “Walk the Talk” this year. Challengers either paid a $25 fee to participate or were sponsored by an organization or individual. The runners took McDonald Street to College, turning east onto West Union and turning back at The Villas at Spanish Court. Tim Greer bested the group, coming in way ahead of the next closest challengers.

Activities included face-painting by Miss Minden 2024 Maison Wilbanks, the much-loved bouncy house, dining on cotton candy, snow cones and all Broken Bean favorites, and a great line-up of entertainment including Lit Skwad, evangelist Brandon Digilormo, Lizzie Balkom and Cooper Parks, and Gracie Young and Carlee Lange.

Pastor and director of the Teen Challenge program, Bro. Andy Jenkins, sat in the Dunking Booth, and got taken down into the cool water many times.

According to Ashley Tate Miller, manager of the Broken Bean Coffee Shop, all proceeds collected from Saturday’s “Freedom Walk” will go directly to the Louisiana Teen Challenge Minden Family Center.

Donations to Teen Challenge of Louisiana (Minden Family Center) can be made anytime at 100 Meadow Brook Road, Minden LA 71055.