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MECCA -- Township residents and visitors were able to spend time together over the weekend at an annual summer community event that celebrates the township and what it has to offer.
The sixth annual Mecca Community Day was coordinated by Christen Clemson, a township trustee, and resident Angel Garces-Bulford, who decided six years ago that something was needed to bring the community together.
"We were brainstorming one day about a way to bring the community together for a day of camaraderie and fun. This is a low-cost, fun day that brings the community together," Clemson said.
She said the event is not hosted by the township but by community members, with the Mecca Community Church as a cosponsor.
Garces-Bulford said her father, Steve Garces is the pastor at Mecca Community Church and he was glad to be part of the celebration.
"I want people to come here and have memories of the day. This is an affordable day for families. I hope they come back every year and make this a family tradition," Garces-Bulford said.
Clemson said each year they have added something new, and this year, there was music, food vendors and live animal displays with BobKat's Lil' Critters that featured foxes, bobcats and woodchucks.
"We are lucky to be able to get different vendors. That is what people want to see. We try to add new things every year," Clemson said.
Visitors could meet with different community groups and see what they are all about.
The Mecca Historical Society was one group that set up a table.
Wanda Tolley, vice president of the society, said she likes the opportunity to talk to people about the society and sell items such as books.
"This gets us out into the public and lets people know that we exist. People often will donate items to our society that we can display. We can also get copies of old photos to showcase the Mecca community," Tolley said.
She said she has enjoyed the day for the past several years and has helped at different tables, including local churches and the fire association.
Karen Corbett with the Mecca Community Church had a table set up to showcase all the community service the church does, including Operation Christmas Child.
April Brenkert of Bristol and her daughter, Hannah Griffin, said they like coming back to Mecca to see old friends and hear what has been taking place in the community.
"There are many people who know about our church and programs but then I meet others who don't know about us," April Brenkert said.
"We live in Bristol and I wanted to see what was going on today in Mecca. I used to live here and know many people," she said.
Jake Rougeaux of Cortland brought his two sons, Jack, 8, and Ryan, 6, to the event.
"It's something nice to do on the weekend. They liked the obstacle course and bounce house," he said.
Mecca fire Chief Tom Domes, who spent time preparing food for the event, said the fire department took part by raising funds through food sales.
"It's a great opportunity to get to meet the public and interact with people and show what the fire department does," Domes said.
Clemson said the day is designed to showcase unity among the residents and offer local business owners the opportunity to show off their products and connect with their town.
Garces-Bulford said to prepare the children for the new school year, free backpacks were offered.
Clemson said the day also allows the opportunity to speak to people about what is planned for the community, such as the new town hall to be built this year and a sidewalk project in the downtown area.