By By Adrienne McKenzie
Pastor Bernard Bishop Ministries and Deliverance Ministry of Jesus Christ, Inc. is bringing a new form of entertainment to Atmore.
"Stomp the Yard" is a free event for area kids and teenagers scheduled for July 21 at Houston Avery Park. There will be entertainment, free food and different competitions. And, everything at the event will be free to those who come. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
According to Pastor Bernard Bishop, the event is to give back to the youth of Atmore.
"We have been so tremendously blessed ourselves, we have always felt the need to give something back to the community that has been so good to us," Bishop said. "Our youth are not only our tomorrow's leaders, but they are the leaders of today and we want to invest in our leaders of today."
However, the main purpose of the event is to bring together community members in Atmore.
"Our primary goal is to bridge the gap between racial and denominational issues in the city of Atmore," he said.
Entertainment will feature Christian rap artist, "Truth Seekah" and 2007 Atmore Mayfest Idol, Felicia Bishop. There will be a dance competition, 3-on-3 basketball, softball, tennis, ping-pong, relay races and more. According to Bishop, each competition is free for those who would like to participate.
"Any child or youth may enter," Bishop said. "Anyone can get registered the morning of the event, but early registration is happening now. Those who would like to register early can contact me at 251-577-1430."
There will also be a dunking booth, sno-cones, a waterslide, cotton candy and spacewalkers. There will be free seminars given by the Escambia County Health Department, Escambia County High School and Atmore Work Release Center.
Bishop appreciates the individuals who have gotten involved in putting the event together.
"We're so grateful and thankful to all the businesses and churches that have stepped up to help sponsor this event for the youth of Atmore," he said.
Bishop said those who wish to volunteer to help with the event can attend a Monday meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Deliverance Ministry of Jesus Christ at 107 2nd Avenue, where Hattie Bishop is the pastor.