11th Annual Mayor’s Unity Picnic

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The cold air and wet weather didn’t stop the Columbus community from coming together for the 11th annual Mayor’s Unity Picnic.

Food, music, and fun is what drew the crowd together.

Hundreds of people came out to attend the Mayor’s 11th annual unity picnic.

It was created to bring the city of Columbus together.

Mayor Robert Smith says the event is a way to create unity within the community.

“This is a way to help unify the community the city the county and the golden triangle area. When we started the event eleven years ago this was a way to bring the community together. It is a time of food fun and fellowship to where the citizens come together and just have a great time,” said Smith.

Many people attend this event year after year in search of a good time.

Lucinda McCleod and Stan Lawrie have both attended the picnic before and said the weather wasn’t going to stop them.

“Coming out here to enjoy the festivities and eat some good home cooking catfish,” said McCleod.

“We came here last year and we are members of the base. The community supporting the Air Force base has been so phenomenal for the last couple years that we’ve been here and it’s just been a great time, great food great music great time. The weathers not as good as it has been in the past but that’s not going to dapper our spirits,” said Lawrie.

People came to socialize, eat good food, and enjoy the music.

They come from all over Columbus to help support the community.

“Columbus community has been phenomenal in our time here at the air force base the friendly city and you guys lead with great events and it’s always a lot of fun. Great community support great spirit together and that just keeps us coming back,” said McCleod.

This support helps make the picnic worth it to Mayor Smith.

“One thing that has encouraged me to continue doing this event is because the citizens look forward to it every year and they just have a great time and it amazes me and makes me feel good. Especially as a mayor to where as if people will come out to this event and just socialize and listen to the entertainment and just have a great time,” said Smith.

Mayor Smith hopes to continue hosting the picnic with community support.