LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A community event aimed at helping local children start the summer on the right foot will return to downtown Lima this weekend.
The Safe Summer Block Party, hosted by Soldiers of Honor and New Look Fitness, will take place Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 117 S. Union St. The free event is open to the public and marks the fifth year organizers have brought families together to celebrate the beginning of summer.
The block party will showcase programs and activities available to area youth throughout the summer months, with the goal of keeping children engaged in positive activities and away from trouble. Families can enjoy boxing exhibitions, games, prizes, food and a variety of activities designed for all ages.
Organizers say the event also serves as an opportunity to encourage parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children's lives and summer activities.
“We like to start out with a nice positive start to the summer. If you don't have a positive start, sometimes you just find yourself doing whatever and we want to catch the kids right at the start. We want to build a community around them and we want to do some positive things so that's the reason why it's so important,” said Aaron McLaurine, director of Soldiers of Honor.
Community leaders hope the event will continue its tradition of providing local youth with encouragement, support and connections to programs that promote personal growth and success throughout the summer.
The Safe Summer Block Party is free and open to the public.
