Contributed READY FOR EVENT — Preparations are being finalized for Saturday’s fifth-annual Family Reunion Community Fun Day event at North End Field. Committee members include, from left, front, Christa Ward and Nicole Hython; and back, Anthony Feaster, Erica Johnson, Val Martin, Michael Jett Sr. and C.J. Mitchell.

STEUBENVILLE — If you ask Steubenville resident Nicole Hython, she will tell you a family is comprised of the people within your community — your neighbors, your friends and the people you can lean on when life gets hard.

Hython’s newly formed family was created completely by chance. Its members consist of seven local residents who have lived in the same area, yet never met one another until about six years ago. Together, they formed a committee and developed a unique festival … an event they hoped would help unite a community.

And it worked, and it continues to work with every passing year.

Born from the historic Million Man March events that took place during the 1990s, came the concept to form a Family Reunion Community Fun Day in downtown Steubenville.

The event will celebrate its fifth consecutive year between noon and 9 p.m. Saturday at the North End Field, located on North Seventh Street.

Hython explained the Million Man March events were “great times to get together and just enjoy Black culture, and then, share that with all of the cultures throughout the valley.”

Hython serves as committee chairperson for the fun day, sharing the spotlight with Christa Ward, Anthony Feaster, Erica Johnson, Val Martin, Michael Jett Sr. and C.J. Mitchell.

Members of the committee have various occupations, including a disc jockey, backgrounds in church service, podcasting and working for nonprofit agencies.

Most members, however, share a background as a small business owner. That is why their purpose is to “shine a light on local and distant small businesses,” through this festival.

“Many of us on the committee own a small business, and we know the importance of supporting each other,” Hython said, adding that multiple area businesses have supported the festival and will be in attendance Saturday. Funding also has been provided by anonymous donors, who simply want to help see the event thrive.

Although its title may refer to the event being a family reunion, the reference does not just pertain to blood relatives gathering at the park. Although relatives are encouraged to participate in the festival, the day is about so much more.

“We definitely mean ‘family’ as in community,” Hython commented. “But we do want to bring the tradition of family reunions to the park, with matching shirts, tons of food, plenty of laughter and memories with your favorite cousins, all while great music is playing.”

Activities being planned for Saturday include basketball games, a variety of vendors, games, a bounce house and face painting. Music will be provided by disc jockey A-Love.

A children’s water party will be held during the afternoon. All of the materials needed for a water balloon party will be provided, Hython said.

Several food trucks will be on site, selling an array of menu items — more than in previous years — Hython added. Some of the offerings will include fish, wings, Caribbean foods, cheesesteaks, french fries, chocolate, cookies, pies and candied fruit. “We would really appreciate it if everyone could support all of our food trucks and food vendors,” she said.

“We all work extremely hard — in all capacities — to make this festival possible each year,” Hython continued. “Believe it or not, not all of us had a relationship with each other prior to coming together about six years ago. Sometimes, living in a small town doesn’t mean you already know everyone. Life is funny that way. But we now have new friends and contacts to lean on when we need each other.”

The committee begins planning for the August event every January, although it is never too early to start, Hython said, adding members strive to ensure every guest has a wonderful time and looks forward to returning the following year.

While members have been attempting to become a nonprofit organization, it is important to note that every cent that has gone into the festival for the past five years, has come from the members of this community.

“We put the donations right back into the festival for the people to enjoy,” Hython said.

Contributions can be made any time during the year and can be done either electronically by using PayPal or Cash App or with cash or a check.

Contact any festival committee member to make arrangements to have the donation picked up, or, for information, contact Hython at (740) 461-8364 or by e-mail at aahfsteubenville@gmail.com.