“Brown County Yellow Ribbon is a volunteer group biased out of New Ulm. It is run totally off of donations,” Board member Sue Brandes said. “This event is part of growing and allowing our group to continue to offer prevention for mental health and suicide prevention.”

“The group provides an avenue for awareness, connects with members of the community who want to meet with other like-minded individuals or those who are going through similar experiences,” said Becky Miller, Brown County Yellow Ribbon’s secretary.

The family friendly event hoped to spread awareness for September, which is Suicide Awareness Month.

The day began with Yoga in the park, then had two speakers, Sue and Becky, sharing their stories. After, music by The World’s Worst Band and DD & Roscoe played while people had a chance to get food from various food trucks or build their own bouquets.

Getting those endorphins going with morning yoga in German Park for the Sine the Light event hosted by Brown County Yellow Ribbon.

Green Roots Farms and Lu Lu’s Blooms donated proceeds from flower sales. There were also Sunflowers for someone to put a name on, which was a garden steak that goes in the ground and lights up.

“The Sunflowers will be down at Schell’s in the garden. They will be lit up for the month of September,” said Brandes.

“We wanted to give back,” said Elizabeth Skindelien, of Green Roots Farm and Compass Behavioral Health.

After the speakers, attendees were asked to join in a walk for hope down to the town’s graffiti/art wall where Ariel Beeck, a muralist, painted Brown County Yellow Ribbon’s tag line: It’s okay to not be okay, on a blue background with a sunflower.

Markers were given out to write messages to loved ones someone has lost or those who may need words of encouragement.

There were signs on the pathways to remind someone that the world is better with them in it.

The group, Brown County Yellow Ribbon, hosts shine the light, annually, but they are also at various community events. The board meets once a month and they are trying to figure out a youth program and regular support meetings, depending on what the community needs.

“We try to do something every month. We are supporting the Turner Hall Dodge Ball Tournament, next Saturday, on September thirteenth to get our name out there, so people know we’re here; we’re available. We’re really trying to collaborate with the community,” said Brandes.

The group can be found on Facebook or at their website: www.browncoyellowribbon.com.

“We’re trying to grow and make sure we’re accessible to people. It’s place to check in and get information,” said Brandes. “We’re here for anyone who doesn’t know how to ask for help or anyone who might be impacted by suicide.”