Hundreds of Prattville residents were gathered across basketball courts and slides and swings Saturday for North Highland Park Fun Day.
District 2 Councilman Willie Wood Jr. said the annual event has been going on for about 20 years. He said he got the idea for a community event as a constructive way to use the park.
"We wanted to provide a free day of food, fun and fellowship," Wood said. "Let them come out, and they don't have to worry about anything."
The kids who were running up and down the basketball court didn't seem to have a care in the world Saturday and neither did the smiling adults who joined them. Soulful music was played on loudspeakers to give the day a feel-good soundtrack.
Vickey McCrary, the president of the Sharing and Caring organization, said there have been some years where attendance was so great that you couldn't see the park because of the number of children who were present.
"The kids really look forward to it," McCrary said. "They would be more excited for Park Day than Easter."
Aside from having some fun outdoors, the day also served as a fundraiser. Sharing and Caring teamed with Wood not only to put on the event, but also to raise funds for a local nonprofit organization, the Oasis of Hope Foundation.
Pastor Thaylee Dickerson, a representative of the organization, had a one-word response to receiving a $1,000 donation Saturday: "Wow."
"We are real grateful, real thankful," Dickerson said.
The money will help the group continue to provide educational materials to area students. Dickerson said they recently have given out about 1,000 backpacks.
Dickerson said the Fun Day is a worthwhile event and good for the community.
"I think Councilman Wood has tapped into something great for the city," Dickerson said. "For a district that has seen some crime, it's good to bring the community together and take the fear out."
He also said a noteworthy aspect of the event was the appearance of Mayor Bill Gillespie Jr. and other city officials. Circuit Clerk Whit Moncrief said the spirit of North Highland Park Fun Day is one he agrees with.
"I always liked that the proceeds ended up going to good causes," Moncrief said.
Though the day went off without a hitch, there was some anxiety beforehand. McCrary said they considered postponing after heavy rainfall Friday, but in a similar scenario to past years, they didn't have to go through with it.
"We've always had a rain date, but never had to use it," McCrary said. "We've always been blessed."
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