URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — A beloved Urbana tradition founded by the late Jettie Rhodes will return to King Park later this month, bringing together residents, community organizations, local leaders and families for a day of food, entertainment and neighborhood fellowship.

The 28th annual MLK Jettie Rhodes Neighborhood Day is scheduled for June 27 from noon to 4 p.m. at King Park. Organizers say attendance has grown from about 50 people in its early years to between 1,000 and 2,000 attendees annually.

“This event is all about bringing people together,” said Lashaunda Cunningham, granddaughter of Jettie Rhodes and the organization’s newly elected president. “There is something for everyone, and we want everyone to know that they’re welcome.”

Cunningham said one of the event’s primary goals is connecting residents with resources and one another in a welcoming environment.

“When people leave the event, we want them to take away something,” she said. “Did you meet someone new? Did you meet a new neighbor? Did you make more connections? That’s what the event is all about. And it’s free.”

This year’s celebration will begin with the unveiling of a mural honoring Rhodes, created by local artist Christopher Logan. The mural will be displayed on the pavilion at King Park and formally revealed during opening ceremonies.

Among the day’s attractions will be a popular rib and chicken barbecue competition featuring 10 contestants, live entertainment, line dancing, community awards, a blood drive, inflatable attractions, a gaming truck, miniature pony rides, and dozens of community information booths.

“We have over 70 organizations signed up already,” Cunningham said. “It’s going to be a big event this year.”

The event’s vice chair, Tori Exum-Johnson, said the celebration remains rooted in the values that inspired Rhodes decades ago.

“Knowing your neighbors, loving your neighbors and helping make each other better — that’s really the big piece of this event,” Exum-Johnson said. “With each additional person that’s better, that’s a stronger community.”

To hear the entire interview, click here: Stream episode Focus – 28th MLK Jettie Rhodes Neighborhood Day @ King Park 6/28 12pm by Illini Media Group podcast | Listen online for free on SoundCloud

Organizers say maintaining personal relationships remains a priority. Committee members still distribute flyers door-to-door throughout the neighborhood despite the availability of digital and direct-mail marketing.

“We’ve talked about doing bulk mailings,” Cunningham said. “But we’re like, no, that takes away from the personalization of the event. What they feel when we go door to door, they feel that at the event as well.”

Beyond the festivities, organizers see the event as a way to introduce residents to services, employment opportunities and community organizations they may not otherwise encounter.

“We have community choices, we have educational institutions, we have nonprofit social services,” Cunningham said. “Sometimes people hear about organizations but don’t really know the services they provide. This is an opportunity for individuals and families to be face-to-face and not feel embarrassed or ashamed. There’s no judgment.”

The event also serves as a showcase for positive community engagement at a time when organizers say many residents are looking for opportunities to connect.

“We really need to know who our neighbors are,” Cunningham said. “We need to know who our public officials are. It’s a networking opportunity. It’s fostering relationships. It’s a free community day where you’re eating free food and enjoying music and live entertainment.”

Exum-Johnson said the committee hopes attendees leave feeling more connected to the community and each other.

“Everybody has G-d-given talents,” she said. “You use your talents to the best of your ability, you help others, and once all of those talents are pooled together, there’s so much that we can do if people continue to work together and help each other.”

Organizers are also looking forward to long-planned improvements coming to King Park. Cunningham said the park is expected to receive significant upgrades, including a new playground, basketball court, soccer field, walking paths, additional parking and improved lighting.

“I’m really excited about the park renovation,” Cunningham said. “King Park was well overdue for a renovation. It’s been more than 20 years. A new park for this neighborhood and this community is something we’ve been working toward for a long time.”

For Cunningham, however, the event’s mission remains unchanged from the vision her grandmother established nearly three decades ago.

“We love people,” she said. “It’s like a big family reunion. We’re all family when you come out there. Come and have a good time with us and come celebrate.”