By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
jstultz@cherryroad.com
The official verdict of a groundhog’s judgment may have indicated there would be six more weeks of spring after February 2, 2025, but Walmart employees in Pratt have not taken that advice seriously. A special ribbon cutting ceremony for the store’s garden center took place on Friday, March 21, kicking off special deals on many select items pertaining to gardening, outdoor lawn care, and fun in the sun.
“We’re not waiting on any old groundhog around here,” said Walmart Store Manager Tyler Fross. “It’s time to get out in the garden and we are ready to help our customers get off to a great start this spring.”
On sale last weekend were many types of mulch, plant pod trays, hand sprayers, and a variety of annual and perennial flowers which were guaranteed to add color to those drab winter spots outdoors.
“I covered the pansies for that last winter blast, but all the trees, shrubs, and flowering perennials, they are hardy and didn’t need any special help to survive. They thrive in this weather and what we have here for sale will work to plant anywhere outdoors in the local area,” said Pratt’s Walmart Garden Center Manager Jerod Harsch.
Harsch and fellow employee Corbin Parker were busy loading up mulch purchases an assisting customers with flowers and tree choices on Friday. Even though the special sales advertised for the ribbon-cutting event may not continue through the next week, Fross said many new garden items were coming in daily that would be worth checking out for the spring-minded planter.
“We are ready for spring here,” he said. “We have the flowers, the plant starts, everything you need to get your garden going. Don’t listen to the groundhog.”
Pratt Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the ribbon-cutting event last week at Walmart, complete with Easter baskets full of candy and treats for those who happened by or were part of the event created to support small and local businesses who serve the community.
Upcoming chamber events include the following.
Chamber After Hours – B-29 Museum – Thursday, March 27, 5-7 p.m. at 82 Curran Rd. Join us for an evening of networking and community at the B-29 Museum. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow members and learn more about one of Pratt’s historical treasures.
Ribbon Cutting & Re-Opening for John Patton Photography, Wednesday, April 2 at 4 p.m., 103 W. 1st St. Celebrate the re-opening of John Patton Photography and show your support for a local business.
Chamber Coffee Chat – Home Lumber & Supply, 803 N. Main St. Thursday, April 3 at 9 a.m. Program starts at 9:30 a.m. Start your morning with coffee, networking, and community updates.
Ag Committee Meeting, Chamber Office, Thursday, April 3 at 4 p.m. Committee members and those interested in agricultural discussions are encouraged to attend.
