In a report on the recent total eclipse event held at Garden Street Park in Winnsboro, Winnsboro Police Chief John Seibles said Garden Street Park was packed on Aug. 21, as people flooded in from all around the country to catch a glimpse of the total eclipse of the sun.
“We were out there lending a helping hand, and that helping hand paid off, literally,” Seibles said with a laugh.
“Our officers used our golf carts to transport people back and forth, and one lady was so appreciative that she even sent us a little donation back,” he said. “Her name was Salme Laar, and she sent us a thank-you card with a handwritten note in it. And she put a $50.00 donation in it for the Police Department to thank us,” Seibles said.
‘Please accept this token of our appreciation for your presence and extraordinary kindness and assistance to me, my friend Maria (from Delaware) and her dog Maite at our wonderful experience at the eclipse.’ Seibles said, reading the note aloud.
“We had coolers on the back of the carts. It was so hot we were passing out water and they were fascinated to see this happen in Winnsboro. Some folks from New York said, ‘if this happened in New York, they would’ve been paying $5 for a bottle of water and $20 for parking’,” Seibles said, laughing.
