Sitting on the grass in the shade at the annual unity picnic Saturday at the Columbus Riverwalk, Mattie Walls said things couldn”t be much better.
Walls, who attended Mayor Robert Smith”s fourth picnic with her 18-year-old daughter and 2-year-old granddaughter, said the event was better than any of the others she”d seen.
“Last year was really hot, but today was perfect,” she said as she listened to local R&B artists Keith and Margie.
A large crowd gathered for the four-hour shindig, which began at 4 p.m. and featured free food and inflatables.
But for 45-year-old Morris Liddell, who has lived in Columbus since 1994, the picnic was more about meeting new people.
“This is the first time I”ve been out here,” said Liddell, who attended with his wife. “I think it”s a great idea to do this. It”s good fellowship, good food. It brings people together.”
The community picnic was created by Smith and Greg Lewis, the project coordinator for the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority, to help “unify” and “diversify” the city, Smith said.
As he lugged his chair toward the band, Columbus resident Charlie Newell said he was glad to see such a diverse crowd having fun together.
“It”s a way to have a good time in the sun and also get some good food,” he added.
The crowd chowed down on farm-raised catfish and hot dogs while sitting on metal chairs under tents, on chairs they brought, on bleachers in front of the stage or on the grass.
Another first-timer, 47-year-old Stanley Baker, said he came down to the picnic to see what the fuss was about.
Turns out, he added, the event exceeded his expectations.
“It”s a good idea to get people together to enjoy themselves and each other,” he continued. “It”s pretty nice.”
For 15-year-old Columbus High School student America Harris, the event was about communication, she said.
“We”re not a big community, so it”s good to get everyone together,” Harris said.
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Related Photos
Community members relax in lawn chairs listening to live music as kids play on inflatables Saturday the unity picnic at the Riverwalk Saturday. Photo by: Luisa Porter
Volunteer Bridget Ramsey, left, back to camera, serves food to Phyllis Jones of Hyattsville, Md., who adds a little hot sauce to her catfish, while Curtis Nicholson of Columbus waits in line during the mayor’s unity picnic Saturday. Photo by: Luisa Porter
