Community Fun Day returns

Event set at Prospect Park on Wednesday

TROY, N.Y. » Parents and children who are looking for a fun and free way to celebrate the end of summertime will have the opportunity to do just that during a community day Wednesday in Prospect Park.

For several years, Billy Carter of Kingdom Ministries has hosted the end of summer event in the Collar City as a way for families to come together before kids go back to school. This year’s 6th annual Community Fun Day will take place Aug. 30 from 4 to 8 p.m., with many free activities for families. There also will be free food and beverages, thanks to donations from numerous businesses and people within the community.

This free festival is hosted by Kingdom Ministries, a new street urban ministry initiative started earlier this year by local residents Carter and Peter Rhee of downtown shop Nite Owl News. Kingdom Ministries grew out of Troy’s Bethel Baptist Church, which hosted the community event in previous years.

Kingdom Ministries, Carter explained, is focused on mentorship, community events and bringing local youth on field trips. The goal, he continued is to improve their self esteem and their morals as well as helping them realize their value.

“This year we will have some pony rides, a petting zoo, a bounce house, free food like hotdogs and hamburgers,” said Carter. “I would like to thank all of my supporters who help to make this annual event possible with so many donations and to the city of Troy for letting us use Prospect Park for the event.”

Carter said this year he decided to add a new twist to the

annual event by tying in religious efforts of Kingdom Ministries.

“From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. will be the pony rides, the bounce house and the giveaways,” explained Carter, “and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. we’ll be having praise and worship in the park. A dynamic pastor from Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Albany, the Rev. Charles Daniel, will be preaching and a great musician called Minister of Music, Minister Dennis Edny will be bringing the music along with some local artists.”

Carter said it is important he and his supporters continue to host these kind of events within the community, especially with the recent crimes and city budget cuts.

“There’s been a lot of taking away as budgets get tightened, so there is a gap to fill and it always feels like its churches that need to fill that gap,” said Carter.

“It’s important for us to do this because there is a huge need, and we just help serve in the community. I’m looking forward to enjoying the beautiful day outside on Wednesday, and I’m looking forward to hearing all the laughs and seeing all the smiles there. We want to send the kids and families off with a great attitude for going back into another school year.”