The East Perry Improvement Association will celebrate Independence Day while raising funds for a worthy cause. The organization is hosting its “Revitalization and Beautification of the East Perry Park and Community” event July 4. The event will be from noon until.  There will be a cookout, car show, live music, bouncy houses and fireworks. Admission is $1 for children and $2 for adults, and all proceeds will benefit the revitalization of the East Perry Park.

The event will open with live performances by local churches, and then later in the evening there will be performances by several artists. Rap artists Pastor Troy, Wish Live, Young Soda, Rich 4 Real and Apollo will be performing. DJ Hoover Da Groover will also be the dj. 

Gwin England, East Perry Improvement Association member said the Sprott area was once an area with potential and various businesses. She said the park was started by the association as a way for community members to come and enjoy each other in a fun and safe environment. However, after the passing of some of the founding members, the park lost support and was not being utilized.

“The lights had been off for 10 years and no water was going to the park,” England said. “Since the park had not been utilized, people vandalized it.”

England said after not using the park for a long while, her and other community members thought it would be a good idea to restore the park.

She also said although the idea is a good one, there is a need for constant support. That support, she said, should start with the people in the community.

“Charity begins at home,” she said. “I said while I’m helping abroad I need to be helping in my own community.”

The organization is in need of donations to continue revitalization efforts.

For more information or to donate to the efforts send donations to Eddie Perry at (334) 345-5385.

Donations can also be mailed to the East Perry Improvement Association at 5689 County Road 64 Marion, AL 36756.