The City of Chattanooga is bringing the community together in a big way with the upcoming Community Forward Village Celebration, happening May 30 at Orchard Knob Middle School.
Community Forward Coordinators Leah Rowe Blackburn and Marcellus Barnes share that the free event is all about supporting children and families both inside and outside the classroom.
“It truly takes a village,” Blackburn explained. “When you have children, adults, pastors, teachers—it takes everybody in the community to be able to lift somebody up.”
Guests can expect food trucks, games, bouncy houses, face painting, giveaways, community resources, and even a DJ to keep the celebration going throughout the day.
Beyond the fun, organizers say the event is rooted in connection, literacy, and community care. Barnes emphasized the importance of surrounding young people with support, sharing the powerful message: “A child that’s not embraced by his village will burn it to feel its warmth.”
Throughout the school year, Community Forward teams hosted book clubs focused on civic engagement and literacy, and students who completed the program will be recognized during the celebration.
“We want them to know that we are beyond those school walls,” Blackburn said. “We’re still working and supporting you even when we’re not inside those school walls.”
The event is free and open to all ages, rain or shine, beginning at 11 a.m. on May 30.
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