Photo by Deb Gau Brielle Weber made her best toss in the Frisbee throw event during the Iron Man Jr. competition at Lake Benton’s Saddle Horse Holiday. Games and events like a bubble party were held Friday.

LAKE BENTON — The fun of Lake Benton’s Saddle Horse Holiday was bringing people together for events like cookouts and games. But it was also a chance to celebrate those who gave back to the community.

On Friday afternoon, Lake Benton area residents packed the community center to hear the announcement of the Lake Benton Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year. As Lake Benton resident Jennifer Nordmeyer was named Citizen of the Year, she got a standing ovation.

“I personally admire this lady, and I’m proud to work alongside her in our community activities,” said Lake Benton Chamber of Commerce administrator Karen Lichtsinn.

“I feel honored,” Nordmeyer said of receiving the award. She said she wanted to thank community members for choosing her.

The accounting firm of Kinner & Company was also named Lake Benton Business of the Year. Lichtsinn said the award highlighted the business’s “over the top” level of generosity and support for the community.

“The winners of the award are recognized for volunteering countless hours and helping to make Lake Benton a better place to live and work,” she said.

Lichtsinn said Kinner & Company and its employees support a wide variety of local causes, including the Lake Benton Area Foundation, the local senior dining program, Lake Benton Elementary, and more. Employees have also contributed thousands of dollars to a special needs fund that helps community members, she said.

In her introduction for the Citizen of the Year award, Lichtsinn said Nordmeyer has been part of a wide range of community organizations, including the Lake Benton Volunteers for Education, the Elkton Parent-Teacher Association, and the Lake Benton Community Chest. Nordmeyer also helped establish Lake Benton’s local food shelf. She delivers Meals on Wheels, helps coordinate the summer recreation program, ushers at the Lake Benton Opera House, and serves as treasurer for several community organizations.

At the same time, Nordmeyer balances work and volunteering with being a wife and mother.

“This individual is creative, hardworking, and a strong advocate for every organization she represents,” Lichtsinn said. “There’s not much she considers an obstacle, and she works to create a solution to any challenging situation. She runs circles around most people.”

Nordmeyer said many of the community activities she’s been part of have involved children. She said it was important to be able to offer activities for kids to be a part of.

Lake Benton was also a community where people supported each other, she said.

“Everyone is always very giving, whenever something is needed,” she said.