MIYAH MARTIN
Contributor
For the second time, communities from all around Marion County gathered to celebrate the second annual Unity Fest. It is held by the Mount Bethlehem Baptist Church in South Pittsburg. The event is held to help bring people together in peace. It took place on 401 Cedar Ave. in South Pittsburg from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Mt. Bethlehem Unity Fest is an event that helps connect people. According to Vickie Wooten, a member of the church, she stated, “It brings people together. We use Christ to unite the people of the county.” The first time the Mt. Bethlehem’s Unity Fest was hosted was back in 2023. However, they skipped last year and instead had it this year.
There were many things to do at the Unity Fest. There were many foods and drinks to get, as well as had a BBQ cook-off. Many people were grilling and giving out food and drinks. Some of the vendors that were there were Fix’nz 4 the Soul, who sold various homemade food, The Bro’s Lemonade, Flippa Tee’s Treats, Smiley Honey Company selling their famed Tupelo honey, Yum Yums—who entered the BBQ cook-off, and many more.
For those not in the mood to eat, there were other things too. For instance, there was live music with dancers and a car show competition featuring dozens of different cars and trucks. The winners of the car show received a trophy donated by O’Reilly Auto Parts. For children, there were bounce houses and a water slide. There were also many crafts and other goods being sold at vendors, such as Jordan Essentials, The Clay Pumpkin, Jewelry by El, Hearth & Oak Candle Co., and Madiscents Car Freshies just to name a few. For art, there were the Arts in the Burg’s vendor doing art projects, and Wild Magnolia Tresses & Co. who were braiding hair.
Many informational vendors were promoting their health-related businesses and raising awareness for a cause. Some of these vendors went all out, like the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation (GCCF) with their inflatable colon display. Other vendors such as Smiles, Inc., a nonprofit organization for oral health, were also there to promote their business. The same also for CurvyRo Glo, with their all-natural skincare products.
While this was the second Unity Fest held, it was nevertheless an eventful time for people all around Marion County. Pastor Lamar Jenkins of Mount Bethlehem Baptist Church stated, “This event is different from others because it unifies people and shows another dimension of our county and what we can do as people.” The Mt. Bethlehem’s Unity Fest was a success for all involved, with the event ultimately helping to connect people from all around the county in peace and unity.
Photos by Miyah Martin