City officials are hoping for a big crowd Saturday for the ninth annual Mayor’s Unity Picnic at the Riverwalk.
The event is scheduled from 4-8 p.m.
It is free and open to the public.
The picnic is sponsored by Mayor Robert Smith, the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority and the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“This picnic has grown every year and we look forward to even more people this year,” Smith said in a press release. “We served about 2,700 people last year and we hope to break the 3,000 mark on Saturday. There will be catfish plates and hot dogs to eat and plenty of entertainment for everyone.”
The band Swingshift will perform at the picnic. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets to spread on the grass for a place to eat.
CLRA Executive Director Greg Lewis said the a lot of work goes into organizing the event. He also said there will be more entertainment options.
“In addition to live music, we will also have bounce houses for the children,” he said. “The food is wonderful and right now the weather is predicted to be 68 degrees and sunny. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
Smith said the picnic is focused on brining the community together.
“Many years ago we used to have neighborhood block parties where individuals could come and spend time together getting to know their neighbors,” he said. “This is a city-wide version of the same thing. This one is set at the Riverwalk so we have plenty of room.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.