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For many summers, downtown Steubenville has come alive in early August with a community festival organized to help celebrate African American culture.
The name might have changed during the years, but the goal always has been the same: For all residents of the area to join together for a day of fun activities, great food and the chance to enjoy each other's company.
That's why organizers of Saturday's Family Reunion Community Fun Day are excited about this year's edition, which will run from noon to 3 p.m. at North End Park. They're looking to build on the success of what had in the past been called the African American Heritage Festival.
Numerous food and business vendors will be set up in and around the park, and officials said North Seventh Street in the festival area will be closed to traffic to allow for expanded displays and for attendees to move about freely.
There will be activities for children to enjoy and music from DJ A-Love. Among those who will be performing live will be Steubenville hip-hop artist Elijah "Platinum" Fletcher, who organizers have promised will have a few surprises in store.
An important part of the event will be the distribution of backpacks with school supplies. Festival organizers said there will be between 50 and 100 packs available, and they will be distributed on a first-come, first served basis.
One of the festival's most-anticipated events will return as well -- with a fresh look. A highlight always has been the old-school vs. new-school basketball game -- it's back, but the format has shifted to the women, who will be looking to see how different generations stack up against each other on the court.
Above all, as festival President Nicole Hython and Vice President C.J. Mitchell said, the day is a chance for everybody in the community to gather downtown to have a good time.
"Nobody is singled out by color, race, ethnicity -- any of that," Hython explained. "We welcome everybody to come out, enjoy the African American Heritage Festival, learn about our culture, enjoy our great food … and get a little more resources for their future events."
With the calendar having turned to August and school set to resume in just a couple of weeks, activities like Saturday's festival offer a chance to relax and have some fun, and are a good way to spend a summer day.