St. Pete festival promotes the power of community

The West St. Pete CommUNITY Festival, set for September 28, seeks to unite a diverse population in St. Petersburg, coinciding with National Good Neighbor Day. Organizer Aron Bryce, a prominent community activist, has rallied support from over 90 vendors and various organizations to create a free, family-friendly event. The festival will take place at Azalea Park and will feature an array of activities including live performances, interactive exhibits, and local food options.

Mayor Ken Welch will issue a proclamation celebrating the festival's mission of fostering togetherness amid divisiveness. Bryce, who leads the Council of Neighborhood Associations, is inspired by the success of the previous CommUNITY Picnic, which attracted over 1,000 attendees. He aims to double that number this year, emphasizing the value of community and inclusivity. The event will include a musical lineup featuring local bands and unique attractions such as a mobile aquarium and police demonstrations. Bryce underlines the power of bringing people together, stating, “There’s space for you,” in response to community interest.