LIMA — Lima UnityFest organizer Ahmad Houston said that the event is an attempt to bring unity back, and he wants to start it right here in Lima.
Houston and a committee of volunteers hosted the first UnityFest at Faurot Park on Saturday, and the event drew well more than 500 spectators to check out the music, get free food, check out vendors, or enjoy the free inflatable ride for children.
“There are a lot of bad things going on around us right now,” Houston said. “All the stuff that is going on with police officers, division caused in politics and other things. We just want to bring people back together.”
Five bands provided live music throughout the day, and children could also participate in an interactive video game. Free face painting was also available. Comedian B.K. Irons also provided live comedy.
“We want to start a new culture here in Lima,” Houston said.
Houston said he came up with the idea only two months ago and began looking for volunteers and businesses to help out sponsoring the event. He was elated with the turnout.
“We pulled this off in two months, record time,” Houston said.
Houston said the event was successful enough that they plan to make it an annual vent.
“As long as it is supported, we will continue to have it,” Houston said. “We will have it at the same time, right at the beginning of October, kind of like a last event of the year while it is still warm enough.”
Houston said he sees the event getting considerably bigger next year.
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