SYLACAUGA — As Promise Day draws near, the committee is busy finalizing plans for the event to ensure its success. Families are encouraged to come to the event on Saturday at Noble Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to enjoy free food, fun, games and door prize giveaways. Remember to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on.
This year, the Sylacauga’s Promise Committee is continuing the theme from previous years of celebrating the city being named to the 100 Best Communities in the Nation for Young People three years in a row.
“On Promise Day, everything is related to bringing the five promises to youth in the community,” said Nancy Dickson, member of Sylacauga’s Promise Committee.
“I think it’s going to be a really exciting day. The committee, volunteers and sponsors do great jobs making this event happen year after year. It takes everybody working together to do this.”
Blue balloons will be released during the opening ceremony to honor and remember children who have been abused. The balloon release serves as a way to spread awareness on child abuse and neglect.
The winner of the “Spirit of the Promise Award” will be announced during the opening ceremony, as well. Nominees for the award are Alva Phifer and the Christian Women of Action at Shiloh Baptist Church, Coosa Valley Medical Center, Gloria Hale of RSVP, Lucille Anderson, and William Killough and the First Methodist Church of Sylacauga Fishers of Friends.
The entertainment for the event includes several local youth performers. Vocalists, dancers, flippers, bands and more are scheduled to perform.
Among the activities for children are face painting, games, three inflatable bouncers and the Blue Bell Train.
Other events will take place at the park on Promise Day, including a skateboard expo beginning at 11 a.m., a BMX practice starting at noon and a BMX race at 2 p.m.
T-shirts with the “100 Best” logo will be available at the event. T-shirts are $15 each.
Dickson said several people have offered to volunteer during the event, but more volunteers are still needed.
Anyone interested in volunteering for Promise Day is encouraged to call the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement at 256-245-4343.
Dickson said the event may be canceled if it rains.
“We’re going to make the decision Saturday morning on what we’re going to do,” she said. “There are just so many kids that are so excited about performing on Saturday. I just hope it works out, because if it doesn’t, we can’t reschedule.”
Sylacauga’s Promise focuses on five promises for the youth in the community: caring adults, safe places, healthy start, effective education and opportunities to help others.
