Dr. Bernard Bishop was blown away at how well the ninth annual Stomp the Yard youth rally event went on Saturday at Houston Avery Park.

Bishop, who is the event’s main sponsor and organizer, said the turnout was especially good.

“We usually have over 500 people,” Bishop said. “I’m sure it exceeded that throughout the day. Different shifts of people come and go.”

There were plenty of activities for youth and adult alike to partake in including bouncy castles, face painting, tennis lessons, a basketball tournament, a magician, hearing positive messages about life and spirituality, and enjoying the talented Alabama State University Honey Bees. Additionally, Atmore Mayor Jim Staff presented a proclamation declaring the first weekend of October as the Stomp the Yard event weekend.

“People from all different churches and businesses and different walks of life partnered together to help sponsor, and to also serve out here (Saturday),” Bishop said. “They came from all different places.”

Bishop said many people of different faiths attended the event as well.

“There were probably eight different religions represented,” he said. “We have a young lady who is a Buddhist.”

The one thing that Bishop said he’s most proud about is that in the nine years the rally has been held, there’s not been one act of violence.

“I was told that it couldn’t be done (without violence),” he said. “That’s my most proud thing about this event.”

Bishop said he’s already been thinking about how to make next year even better, adding that there will be more of an education push for the 10th annual event.