Rain or shine, a multitude of children’s activities and basketball tournaments for all ages will commence on Saturday in Fredericksburg’s Mayfield neighborhood.
Community activist Kentrale Washington, also known as Armani, will be hosting the 12th annual Peace In Da Paint event at the Mayfield basketball courts (313 Tyler Street) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event’s focus is eliminating gun violence and drug use among area youth.
“It’s important for me to let the kids know they can settle their differences through sports, instead of things escalating to violence,” Washington said.
Washington, who was born and raised in Mayfield, said he feels good about providing an area where everyone can come together for a good cause. There will be a total of five basketball games for ages 9 to 11 and 12 to 15, as well as two adult games.
“I’m very excited to announce, for the first time this year, we’ll have a tiny mite game for the kids 6-to 8 years old on the smaller basketball court,” he added.
Participants have been pre-registering on Facebook, and those wanting to participate will have an opportunity to register on-site Saturday until spots in the games are filled.
Attendees will have hourly opportunities to win prizes such as bicycles, PlayStation 5s, Nintendo Switches, and other miscellaneous gifts.
There will be a variety of vendors, including Kings Dominion representatives doing on-the-spot job interviews. Local barbers will be giving free haircuts, and Lynette Johnson will be braiding the young girls’ hair.
“We are going to have a bunch of fun, teach the youth, and provide back-to-school supplies for kids, so come on out,” Washington said.
