This year’s Summer in the Park event for United Way of Lee County is being rebranded as “Burgers for Bubba”, in honor of Opelika Firefighter Media Zachary “Bubba”Sorenson, who passed away July 29, 2023.
CONTRIBUTED BY
THE CITY OF OPELIKA
OPELIKA —
The city of Opelika is hosting the Summer in the Park for United Way of Lee County on Saturday, Aug. 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Municipal Park.
This year will look a little different than years passed. The city of Opelika, the Opelika Police Department and Opelika Power Services have come together to rebrand the event this year as “Burgers for Bubba”, in honor of Opelika Firefighter Media Zachary “Bubba” Sorenson, who passed away July 29, 2023.
“The Burgers and Badges Grill-Off” was something Bubba looked forward to each year,” said Opelika Fire Department Chief Shane Boyd. “He was the voice and cheerleader for the fire department and truly loved this event.
“We appreciate the committee making this change. We can’t think of a better way to show our love and respect for Bubba other than having this event in his honor.”
Opelika Police Department and Opelika Power Services will come together to cook this year and will be offering two different types of burgers, each named in honor of Sorenson; The Unicorn Burger and The Strongman Burger. It will cost $5 to receive a burger, chips and a drink, and all proceeds will be donated to The United Way of Lee County in Sorenson’s name.
“In years past we have enjoyed a friendly competition between the Opelika Police Department and Opelika Fire Department, but this year we felt the best way to proceed was to come together and show our support for our brothers and sisters at the fire department as they mourn the loss of Bubba,” said Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey.
There will also be train rides and face painting for $2 each, lemonade for $1 and other fun games and activities.