Brimming with fun and positive vibes all around, Edmundite Missions held its annual community festival on the grounds of the Edmundite Missions Center of Hope on Griffin Avenue, on Friday.

The free event attracted many people with its entertainment, food and raffles.

First starting in 2014, the event marked the beginning of the summer, and since its inaugural event, garnered a total of 4,500 attendees. The Missions’ hope for a large turn out was high this year as well

Like the many years prior, this year’s festival hosted many activities to entertain both youths and adults.

These activities included face painting, a dunk tank, bouncy houses, train rides and many more.

Free hamburgers, snow cones and other treats were served to the guests as refreshments.

The raffle gave attendees the opportunity to win various prizes such as bikes, air conditioners and utility bill payments.

Chad McEachern, President & C.E.O of Edmundite Missions, created this event to bring the community together in a safe and fun way.

“We hold this event to provide a safe place for our community to come together to eat, play, praise and fellowship. We serve so many folks throughout the year that come with a sense of hopelessness and this event is one way for us to celebrate as a community,” McEachern said. “While there are many who struggle in our city, this day has become a reminder that they are not alone and they are not forgotten. Through the joy and laughter of the day, all the difficulties of our lives disappear as we together share the light of Christ. At its very core, this event, like everything the Edmundite Missions does, is meant to spread the hope and joy of God.”

As planned by the Missions, the festival brought joy and sense of fellowship to everyone that arrived.

Regina Davis, a newcomer who, while shopping, saw the event taking place and decided to bring her granddaughter to the fun.

“It’s nice to get out and see people have such a joyous time,” Davis said. “I was on my way to Dollar General, and I just saw people here, and I just thought I’d bring my granddaughter over to see what is going on.”

Davis plans to attend the event next year as well.

Janie Thomas, an attendee of two years, said she, once again, enjoyed her time at the event.

“I came here two years ago and I really enjoyed myself,” she said. “I won a free oil change and I loved it. The food was great. When I heard about it this year, I came back again.”

And, finding out about the event through a flier, Latherisa Norris suggests that Selma should host more events similar to the festival.

“I heard about the event yesterday. I called several people so they can come out and enjoy the festivities. I feel like we need more stuff like this, something for the kids to do,” Norris said.

McEachern said he was utterly blown away by the response to this year’s event, and is already looking forward to having a great festival next year.

“The response to this event had blown me away from the last year,” McEachern said. “It’s always so exciting to see people line up to get in to the festival. Looking around today, I’d guess we broke our record once again. I’m already looking forward to next summer when we’ll do it all again.”