The First Ladies of Sneads: Community Spirit in Action

By: Shelia Mader

The First Ladies of Sneads are an extraordinary group of volunteers who work tirelessly to make their town a better place to live. Without pay or recognition as their goal, they give their time, energy, and hearts to beautifying the community, creating activities for children, supporting local schools, and bringing neighbors together throughout the year.

Not a month goes by that these ladies are not out doing something for Sneads. From decorating the town for the holidays to hosting family-friendly events, their efforts never stop. There is no beginning and no end to what they do. They simply give. The citizens of Sneads could not be in better hands.

While Christmas decorations are still glowing throughout town, with some residents holding to the tradition of leaving them up through Old Christmas on January 6, the First Ladies are already looking ahead. Planning is underway for Christmas 2026, and with it, a hopeful new tradition.

Their vision is a Festival of Lights at Lake Seminole.

Kathy Leigh, an active member of the First Ladies of Sneads, shared the excitement behind the idea.

“We want to start a festival of lights at Lake Seminole here in Sneads, and we want to extend it throughout the Panhandle and North Florida,” Leigh said. “We’re wanting to invite businesses, families, and community organizations to sponsor a tree. It could be for a business, a loved one, or a group. We want to light up the lake.”

The group is starting from the ground up, with no decorations on hand, and is asking the community for help. With post-holiday cleanups underway and many people replacing older décor, the First Ladies are hopeful that donations will come in.

“If you’re cleaning up after the holidays and upgrading next year, maybe you have an old artificial tree you don’t need anymore,” said Suzie Paul, another member of the group. “You can bring it to Body Biology on Highway 90 in Sneads. We’re also looking for light-up decorations, solar lights, anything like that.”

The Festival of Lights is still in the early planning stages, but the hope is to bring this family-friendly event to life as soon as possible. Beyond Christmas, the First Ladies already have many events planned for 2026.

“If anyone is curious about what we do, they can find us on Facebook at First Ladies of Sneads,” Paul said. “We post often, and people can follow along and see what we’re about.”

Donations of decorations can be dropped off at Body Biology in Sneads or arranged through the First Ladies of Sneads Facebook page.

This project is just one example of the work done by this group. In addition to Sneads, the First Ladies also support Grand Ridge, including Sneads Elementary School and Grand Ridge Middle School. They partner closely with the City of Sneads and collaborate with local businesses and civic groups whenever possible.

Debbie Branch, an active member of the First Ladies of Sneads, spoke about the group’s purpose and heart.

“It’s just a private group that Kathy came up with that’s open to anybody,” Branch said. “All ages, all races, anybody who wants to help the community. We do a lot for the schools, and we partner with the City of Sneads on a whole lot of things.”

When asked about the Festival of Lights, Branch immediately gave credit to others.

“Kathy has a whole lot better information on that,” she said. “That’s just what we do.”

The group has been discussing the Festival of Lights for several years, and while timing and life circumstances delayed earlier plans, the excitement has never faded.

“We’re hopeful,” Branch said. “It won’t be on the scale of something like Bainbridge, but it’ll be a start.”

Local businesses continue to play a key role in supporting the group’s efforts.

“McDaniel’s Piggly Wiggly is amazing about donating and helping,” Branch said. “And the ladies from the Carlisle Rose Club have been so good to us, too. Everything usually turns out real good.”

Branch also highlighted the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed.

“Suzie Paul is such a hard worker. She’s amazing. Angel Dean and others make sure things like having a Grinch and Cindy Lou Who happen. They find costumes, buy them on sale, or track them down wherever they can. It’s just amazing how hard these girls work.”

One recent example was the fall pumpkin event, which exceeded expectations.

“That pumpkin thing we had turned out unbelievable,” Branch said.

Through every project, the First Ladies of Sneads make a point to recognize everyone who helps. They do not seek attention or credit. Everything they do is done from the heart, for their town and the people who call it home.

And they show no signs of slowing down.