By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
The third annual Patterson Street Fun Day will take place this Saturday, August 19, in the cleared lot just off Main Street and across from Patterson Street Apartments.
The late-morning, early afternoon community event will start at 10 a.m. It usually runs until around 2 p.m. Attendees can enjoy free food and drinks, music, games, bouncy houses and more. There will also be numerous giveaways of items donated by Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks and District 3 City Councilwoman Eunice Johnson, local businesses and others.
More than two dozen city police officers, county deputies and city firefighters have attended the first two Patterson Street Fun Days, as have the occasional Alabama State Trooper and members of other agencies. At least that many are expected this year.
Law enforcement officers grill hot dogs, ice down drinks, answer questions about their jobs and the vehicles they use, and generally mingle with the dozens of youngsters and adults who attend. They also participate in basketball games and other competitions with the youngsters.
The period of free fun, food and fellowship is the brainchild of Brooks and Johnson, who were searching for a way to bring residents of the Patterson Street area and beyond together with local law enforcement officers in a positive setting.
Brooks and Johnson recruited Fire Chief Ron Peebles and Escambia County Sheriff Heath Jackson into the mix, and the four have been the primary organizers since then.
Johnson reiterated this week that, although the “day of excitement” has Patterson Street in its name, “everyone in the area is invited.”