Houston Avery Park, located on MLK Avenue, will be a place of celebration on Saturday when residents gather for the 20th annual Unity in the Community Day.

“We started this project 20 years ago to raise money to renovate the park,” said Sandra Gray, coordinator of the event along with Concerned Citizens of Atmore. “We want to give the people of the community a day that they can enjoy with fun, food and fellowship. Since that time we have been able to renovate the park and make some needed changes.”

The opening ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. and will feature the MLK Little League Baseball teams, with Dr. Bernard Bishop as guest speaker. Soloist Felicia Bishop, Minister Rodney America, Minister Ison and the Ison Brothers will be part of the ceremony, as well as other area musicians and soloists.

The event will feature food and craft vendors and a health fair with a free health check by Zeta Phi Beta, and Alabama State Health Insurance Assistance will be providing information. Other vendors there will be Mary Kaye by Bonnie, Shoe Diva, Expose’ Drill Team, Steppers, Youth Round Up, cake walk, pony ride and face painting. There will also be a baseball tournament and a car show.

In addition to all the fun things to do and see, there will also be a thrift shop on-site that will offer many things for free or a small price.

“We will be starting at 11 a.m. and will continue until 5 p.m.,” Gray said. “This has always been a very successful event for us and we look forward to it every year. Businesses around town have been very good to donate prizes that we will give out. We will have games and activities for the children and some that their parents can join. This is a family day and it’s great to get the family together. We have lots going on and I hear we even have a man coming to make alligator burgers.”