Annual Othello Community BBQ sees huge turnout in attendance
Chanet Stevenson/The Sun Tribune - Families enjoyed making their very own pinwheels during the Othello Community BBQ. Each pinwheel turned out uniquely decorated making for a fun and colorful activity.
Chanet Stevenson/The Sun Tribune - Othello Mayor, Shawn Logan, kicks off the festivities at the 2nd annual Othello Community BBQ Friday, June 9.
Chanet Stevenson/The Sun Tribune - A bouncy house dodgeball court was a hit with kids at the Othello Community BBQ Friday.
Chanet Stevenson/The Sun Tribune - A game of bean bag toss kept provided much entertainment for kids during the Othello Community BBQ Friday held at the Nazarene Church of Othello.
Chanet Stevenson/The Sun Tribune - With two bouncy houses to choose from, there was no shortage of fun for the kids who attended the 2nd annual Othello Community BBQ.
Chanet Stevenson/The Sun Tribune - 5-year-old, Aaliyah, gets her face painted like a lady bug.
OTHELLO — Food, fun, and activities for everyone were abundant at the 2nd annual Othello Community Barbecue Friday.
Held at the Nazarene Church of Othello, the gathering was a free event offering everything from food, to face painting and temporary tattoos, games of jenga and bean bag toss, two bouncy houses for the kids, as well as a bouncy house dodgeball court, zorbs, and a booth where families were able to enjoy making colorful pinwheels. There was also a booth offering information and sign up sheets for Vacation Bible Study, which will be taking place this summer.
Elizabeth Dick, children’s director at the Nazarene Church has directed the BBQ for two years now. She was thrilled with the community turnout this year. Last year’s event saw around 200 people attend, but this year’s event drew more than double that amount with over 500 people coming out to partake in the festivities.
“I think one of our strengths as a community is that everyone enjoys being together,” Dick said.
She was also happy to have so much help and support from not only members of her own congregation, but from other churches in the community as well, coming together to help make the BBQ possible.
The First Presbyterian Church set up their pinwheel making booth, providing all of the materials, and the Othello Harvest Church helped out with the food. Classic Grill’n catering also donated their time and coal at the event.
“I just really grew in my faith,” Dick said. “Everyone stepped up and did their part, and if they noticed something that needed tending to, they just stepped up and took care of it without being asked. That was a blessing.”
For next year’s event, Dick hopes to see the attendance grow even more, and wants to incorporate more bounce houses and activities for older elementary aged kids.