Mayor’s Office Announces Unity Picnic Details

COLUMBUS, Miss. (PRESS RELEASE) – Perfect weather and great food are predicted for this Saturday’s Ninth Annual Mayor’s Unity Picnic at the Columbus Riverwalk.

Everything is free including all the food and entertainment for the entire family.

The event is from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday April 2.

“This picnic has grown every year and we look forward to even more people this year,” said Mayor Robert Smith.

“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 be providing live music for us.”

The event is designed to allow citizens of Columbus to see and visit with one another.

“Many years ago we used to have neighborhood block parties where individuals could come and spend time together getting to know their neighbors,” said Mayor Smith.

“This is a citywide version of the same thing. This one is set at the Riverwalk so we have plenty of room.”

The picnic is totally funded with donations and services at no charge to the city or those that attend.

Greg Lewis, the executive director of the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority and one of the organizers, encouraged a large turnout.

The Recreation Authority along with the Columbus Convention and Visitors’ Bureau are sponsors along with Mayor Smith.

“We could not do this without these great sponsors,” said Smith. “I greatly appreciate all they do to make this happen each year.”

Lewis gave more details on the event.

“We work for a long time on this picnic and those that attend will have a great time,” he said. “In addition to live music, we will also have bounce houses for the children too. 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.”

Those that attend are encouraged to bring blankets to spread on the grass for the picnic for a place to eat.