BLACK FAMILY REUNION WINDS UP TODAY

A free picnic today from 1-4 p.m. caps off events of the first River Heritage Regional Black Family Reunion.

The picnic will be held at Arena Park and is open to anyone. Organizers say they are prepared to feed 1,000 people.

On Saturday, an estimated 2,000 people attended events at Arena Park that included a number of workshops, carnival rides and appearances by new musical artists and even a new Power Ranger.

The number was expected to double after Saturday's gospel concert at the Show Me Center; 400 attended a youth concert Friday night at the A.C. Brase Arena Building.

Standing in the shade outside the Arena Building Saturday afternoon, Paul Garland and Carol Keeler, co-chairman for the reunion, surveyed the park watching the carnival rides and snow cones, parents and children.

"I've been very pleased with the turnout," said Garland.

"We've had lots of families," said Keeler.

People attended the reunion from as far away as St. Louis and Poplar Bluff.

The purpose was to raise awareness about the state of black families. The organizers think they have succeeded.

"The highlight so far had to be the prayer breakfast," Garland said. "The turnout, the food. The speaker was electrifying. It was just great."

Keeler said the event has filled a void for the black community in Southeast Missouri.

Both said no trouble had occurred during the event. "There has been a good spirit among everyone here," Keeler said.

The crowd has been predominately black. While the heat may have kept some people home Saturday, Garland and Keeler feared others stayed away because of race.

"I had people ask me if they were invited to attend since they were white," Keeler said. "I was disappointed. The white community has got to know we care about the same things. We have got to do this together."

Perhaps by next year's event, feelings will have changed, she said.

With today's events still ahead, organizers have already begun the process of planning for next year's reunion. They hope the event will be held annually.