MANSFIELD — Peace on My Block returned to Arlin Field for the second straight year and once again did not disappoint.
Members from every corner of Mansfield came together to help promote safety and peace in the community. The Peace on My Block initiative works to create a sense of city-wide responsibility through connections, involvement and fellowship.
“We want to give our kids some hope and a peaceful, fun way to start their summer,” Tom Hager said.
Hager is the principal at Malabar Intermediate School and one of the organizers for the event.
Peace on My Block started as a response to the rise of gun violence and homicides in Mansfield over the last few years. This year’s event featured more than 30 community agencies, businesses and support groups participate.
Video by Carl Fernyak
Over $20,000 were raised in donations for the event and over 100 volunteers showed up to help out.
Dr. Holly Christie was one such volunteer. Christie spent 13 years in Mansfield City Schools finishing off as a Malabar High School graduate in 1988. After college, Christie came back to Mansfield where she has spent the last 32 years as a teacher and Director of Student Support Groups.
“This event brings the community together.” Christie said. “We’re sharing resources to families and we’re giving agencies access to clients they might not be able to reach otherwise.”
The event kicked off at 6:15 p.m. with Conne Mason singing the National Anthem followed by a flyover by the 180th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard. Face painting, bounce houses, rock climbing, and food trucks filled the grass field behind the stadium as families shuffled from one activity to the next.
The night ended with the stands filled with attendees of all ages eagerly awaiting the finale, a firework show by Northeast Pyrotechniques.
(Photos by Malaki Stanfield, Richland Source Intern)
