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Joel Zimmerman holds up his two-year-old son Zac as fellow First Presbyterian Church member Rhonda Rousseau, right, tosses a volleyball over the net during the block party at the church kicking off the Week of the Family at the church on Monday. (C. Todd Sherman)
Daily Journal
TUPELO - The city of Tupelo kicked off a week-long celebration of the family Monday with hamburgers, hot dogs and plenty of running around.
As evening fell, children bounded around in an air house and swatted volleyballs across the grounds of First Presbyterian Church Tupelo. Boy Scout Troop 3 helped little ones toast marshmallows. The air was cool but 12-year-old Brittney Fuller's constant motion kept her warm.
Then she scurried inside for a burger and a game of checkers with her brother and sister.
Fuller's family was one of dozens who converged on the downtown church to make new friends and to show their support for the citywide initiative.
This week First Presbyterian is coordinating with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and several sponsors to provide free fun citywide.
Roller skating, swimming and bowling are some of the activities families can enjoy in the All America City through Saturday. A day of fun at Fairpark is scheduled for Saturday, with barbecue, a rock wall and scooter rides.
Tupelo Mayor Jack Reed Jr. issued an official proclamation for the event and, in the back of the gym, 9-year-old Gary Hoskins, taking a break from a frenzied game that resembled soccer, stood aside to reflect.
"I love my family," he said. "I cry sometimes when I see things like this."
Contact Galen Holley at 678-1510 or galen.holley@djournal.com.