Fences surrounding Sun Prairie explosion site decorated with special notes, flowers

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — Fences are often seen as barriers, but for the people of Sun Prairie, the fences surrounding the downtown explosion site are the windows into their new reality.

“It doesn’t even look the same anymore. It’s like something out of a movie,” says Tanya Holmes who grew up in Sun Prairie.

A wall to pay respect. This is set up just outside fire station no. 1 in #sunprairie. Flowers, notes, and sentimental messages fill the fence, letting everyone know this community is #sunprairiestrong. pic.twitter.com/p3Xle2kylh

— Jamie Perez (@JamiePerezTV) July 16, 2018

Along the fences that line North Bristol Street, you can find handwritten notes and flowers; all in tribute to the emergency responders, those who have suffered injuries and those who are a part of the community.

“All the first responders, everyone. And we keep everyone in our prayers. A lot of people suffering right now,” says Lynn McFarlane, Sun Prairie resident.

The fence is lined with a handful of “thank yous” from a grateful community.

“This is really just a very special community, very special,” McFarlane says.

For many residents, these small acts of kindness show how the Sun Prairie community still has a lot of love to give despite a tragic event.

“Right now everybody is just trying to widen their arms and just give big hugs for everybody. Everybody is just staying strong for each other,” said George Green, a Sun Prairie business owner.

“I worked for a good 30 years in the professional building so we have a lot of history here and it’s sad to see,” says Ginny Harvey, a life-long Sun Prairie resident.

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