WARREN - It's been a weekend of firsts and bests for the Trumbull County African American Achievers Association Festival on Courthouse Square, and organizers are hoping to end today with a bang.

For the first time during opening ceremonies Friday, a duet was performed during the singing of the Black National Anthem, as Brian Williams and Tara Elkins sang together.

Also, boxing was held Friday for the first time at the festival as part of a fundraiser, and this weekend's blue skies and moderate temperatures led to one of the best openings ever for the festival, organizers said Saturday.

''It was one of the best Fridays we've ever had,'' said association Vice Chair Franky Parker of the opening day.

He said the boxing was especially popular.

''Boxing was a great addition,'' Parker said.

Gwenn Morgan, who heads up the parade for the festival, said Saturday's parade featured the Warren G. Harding High School band for the first time in a long time. She said that if school is still in session when the festival starts, the band usually plays in the parade, and this year is the first time that has happened in awhile, she said.

Bob Davis, president of the TCAAA, and Parker also said they think the rough economy is actually helping the festival because it offers good entertainment at an affordable price close to home. Parker said the family atmosphere of the festival even draws in people from out of town, who come in to reconnect with the area and family and friends, and he said he thinks that is more true this year.

''There's a bunch of folks I'm seeing that I haven't seen in a long time,'' Davis said. ''It's nothing but family.''

Davis said the festival also puts money back in the local economy because the association employs people for the weekend, who in turn receive a paycheck they probably spend locally.

Today, following Gospel Sunday, a Unity Rally will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. with local pastors and community service organizations. Davis said he is excited about the rally because several of the groups on hand will be able to explain their mission and help people directly. He said there are lots of people in the community who do not know where to turn to for help and hopefully the rally can start them in the right direction.

''Believe it or not, there's a lot of people who don't know what they do,'' Davis said.

The festival will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. today. Gospel Sunday attractions will begin at 2 p.m.

jgorman@tribtoday.com