The weeklong “Way to Grow” festivities kick off this afternoon with a community block party at the new Skateboard and Splash Park at William and Montgomery streets. With afternoon temps hovering in the low 90’s, organizers Heather Joi Kenney, president and CEO of Gateway CDC and Tracy Mosley, CEO of Helping All People Excel chose the perfect spot to launch the 4^th annual event.

And it won’t just be the weather that’s heating things up this week – there’s something happening every day, culminating with a daylong street festival along a three-block stretch of Garnett Street that Kenney and Mosley say will hearken back to the 1980’s and Colorfest, a celebration of community, friendship and unity that brought thousands to downtown Henderson.

Head over to the splash park between now and 8 p.m. and enjoy food, drinks and ice cream, Mosley said on Monday’s TownTalk. There will be a skateboarding clinic and youngsters between 8-14 will have a chance to win free boards and safety equipment, Kenney said.

Coming together in communal spaces like the new downtown park help strengthen communities and create community at the same time, the women said.

Technology and social media are great tools to help share information, but Kenney said there’s no substitute for people getting together and talking – face to face.

“I think the most powerful thing that we have to communicate with one another is our voice,” she said.

Whether it’s talking to neighbors on the street, seeing friends at church or peers at school, those personal interactions and gathering spots are vital to a strong community.

She said she’s heard from folks who remember fondly those days when Colorfest was popular. The Way to Grow festival isn’t trying to replicate that festival with its culminating activity on Saturday from 12 noon to 7 p.m.; rather, it’s incorporating aspects that people said they wanted to experience again.

“It’s an opportunity where communities can gather,” she said amid the resources, vendors, food and music.

Having a place to hang out and have a good time is what the community longs for, a time when there was a stronger sense of community and connection, Kenney added.

Here’s a list of activities planned as part of the Way to Grow! festival:

• Tuesday, Aug. 18 – 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Flex Desk. Stephen Wolf is showcasing an app he created called Get 2 Know Your City. Find out about businesses, attractions and events in the county and city.
• Wednesday, Au 19 – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Downtown Visioning Walk. Start at the Garnett Street Station and pick up a brochure and a survey that seeks input about what individuals want to see in downtown Henderson. They’re available between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and folks will have until 8 p.m. to complete and turn them in.
• Thursday, Aug. 20 – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Home Table is a ticketed event that features a catered meal from All Smoked Up. “Breaking bread with folks is one of the best ways to start these conversations and just get to know your community better,” Kenney said. This casual gathering includes music, so get those tickets purchased and bring your positive attitudes and positive vibes. Tickets are $30 each, 2 for $55, 3 for $75 and 4 for $100. Purchase tickets here: https://thehometable.eventbrite.com. They are on sale until Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 5 p.m..
• Friday, Aug. 21 – Roots and Routes at Vance-Granville Community College is a career and college fair aimed at helping young people reach their education and career goals. “Vance-Granville Community College is a gem,” Mosley said, “and it’s based right here in our community. Whether it’s a certificate program or diploma program you’re looking for, Mosley said Roots and Routes will have everything you need to help figure out next steps. The event will be from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. in the VGCC Civic Center. Job seekers, folks seeking a career change, high school and college students should attend. Real employers. Real jobs. Real opportunities.

For a complete schedule of events, visit https://www.waytogrowfest.com/

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