ORION TWP, Mich. — On Thursday, June 20, 2024, residents from all across the Orion area flocked to the backyard of the Orion Center building to take part in fun, games and free food. The event was put on by a partnership between the Orion Parks and Rec. department and the First Baptist Church.
Photo by Joe Johnson
The overbearing heat mixed with brief showers did not stop or delay the event from happening, Orion area residents were treated to a ‘staycation’ right in their backyard. The celebration coincides with the Summer Solstice, a celebration of the start of summer.
ONTV’s Joe Johnson spoke with Jennifer Vezina, a recreation programmer at Orion Parks and Rec. about the event that took place on Thursday evening.
“Every year we put this event together, and it’s just amazing to me how many families come out and enjoy it. What’s really nice, is anyone, everyone can come out because everything is free,” Vezina said.
The First Baptist Church sent volunteers to put on fun games and activities for all ages, as well as supplying tasty food to feed dozens of hungry residents.
“We are privileged every year to be able to partner with the township,” said Steve Sanders, a member of the First Baptist Church said. “The most fun I have is watching other people have fun.”
Photo by Joe Johnson
From snow cones, face-painting, cotton candy and more, this event helped bring the community together, whether they are involved in the church or not.
“They do it all, they bring it, they set it up, they pass it out and their volunteers are just happy to do it,” Vezina said. “Look at it, there’s families, families that perhaps couldn’t afford to go to something else and here they are, having that quality time together… everybody is happy and having a good time.”
One of the next big events for the township is the Dragon on the Lake celebration on August 23-25, an annual festival celebrating Lake Orion’s history put on by the Orion Art Center.
For more information about events like these, visit orionparks.com.