PAMPA, TX -- An estimated three thousand residents and visitors came together today at Central Park in Pampa.
That was for the 29th Annual Chautauqua Celebration put on by the Pampa Fine Arts Association.
What once started out as a Christian outing for inner-city kids in New York has become an annual tradition in Pampa.
The name stems from the resort where it all originally started - Lake Chautauqua in New York.
The event kicked off with a five-k run this morning, and until four this afternoon, folks had a variety of activities to choose from -- including booths, crafts, food, and entertainment in the park.
One official told us they wanted people to enjoy Labor Day without having to dig deep into their pockets.
"The fine arts is an umbrella for the arts and they wanted to have a deal for everybody to be able to enjoy stuff for free, or if they wanted to pay for something that they could, and so that everybody could have a wonderful Labor Day," said 2010 Chautauqua Chairman, Sena Brainard.
On the subject of saving money one booth there is trying to secure money for others on a global scale.
"We have been finding out that most coffee growers do not receive a living wage for them and their family, and so if the coffee is labeled "fair trade" then the workers are guaranteed a living wage," said First Presbyterian Church Member, Laurie Daugherty.
Daugherty says that spending a couple more pennies can make a world of difference.
"If they'll spend two or three cents more for their morning cup of coffee then the people who grew coffee can support their families."
She said this call of duty comes from a higher power.
"As a church we feel that its our Christian duty to look out for our fellow man and this is kind of a mission cause of ours."
