Reading police to hold event at City Park to help unite the community

Mike Urban, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·1 min read

Oct. 5—The Reading Police Department and its chaplains are recognizing national Faith & Blue weekend with a special event Sunday at City Park.

The Faith & Blue event, which is intended to unite the community, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m.. It is open to the public and will include food, music and activities for all ages.

Local organizers said in a press release that the outdoor gathering is part of a national program launched to facilitate safer, stronger, more just and unified communities by enabling partnerships among law enforcement professionals, residents, businesses and community groups through the connections of local faith-based organizations.

This is the first year Reading is participating. Its event is one of thousands of activities happening nationwide.

The police department plans for the event to grow next year with churches from within the city and throughout Berks County participating for a two-day event, organizers said.

This year's event will include: the department's motorcycle demo and K-9 demo; a tactical vehicle display; speeches by county Commissioners Christian Leinbach and Michael Rivera, Mayor Mayor Eddie Moran and police department Head Chaplain Nick Camacho; church bands; a DJ; food; face painting and other activities; football and dodgeball games with police officer participation; and a prayer/hymn circle to close the day.

Organizers are still looking for participation from more area churches and individuals, suggestions of additional activities, donations of baked goods, chili (for a possible cook-off contest), individual performers, and a few choir members from each church who can join together for an impromptu choir.