GONZALES — The annual Four Cities for Peace Block Party is back this year and takes place Aug. 18 at Central Park in Gonzales.
The Block Party event returns with some new activities as well as some returning favorites, including a dunk tank, which could possibly end up with one of the Gonzales police officers getting dunked.
A Team of Puppeteers from Stockton is also a new addition this year to present a puppet show for youth. The Gonzales Police Department and the Gonzales Fire Department are planning to be part of the Corn Hole tournament that is also open to event goers to participate.
“We hope to someday make it an event that will bring the community of Gonzales together,” said Event Coordinator Jean Salcido. “We often see that due to our religious beliefs and cultural differences, we are not united. We began this event to hopefully change that by bringing everybody together on this and to put aside these differences.”
According to Salcido, the Four Cities for Peace Block Party was put together as a show of unity and to bring a message of peace to all. The event was also designed for anyone who might not be aware of all the resources that are available to them.
“We are striving every year to make it a joyful event by adding different activities and local performers to give them some exposure,” Salcido said.
The Block Party is not funded by an organization, and relies on volunteers and donations to keep the event going every year.
“We look forward to it every year and know that someday it will be the huge success that I have envisioned it to be,” Salcido said.
The Block Party begins at noon and ends at 5 p.m. There will be Chalk in the Park, food, music and more.
