DINNER IS SERVED … Staff from the Red Hen support locals of West Unity by serving a hit chicken dinner.
SPREADING THE WORD … Solid Rock Community Church offers free Bibles and prayers for those in need.
SELLING GOODS … Vendors of all shapes and sizes overflowed the Memorial Park.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGER REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
From June 6th to 8th, the West Unity town hosted its annual “Gathering in Unity” event for the community. The village successfully brought together families, friends and neighbors for a weekend of good food, homegrown crafts, and heartfelt community spirit; all in support of local resident Avery Frey.
The festivities kicked off Friday evening with a chicken BBQ dinner provided by Jacoby’s Smokehouse and Red Hen Country Market, which quickly drew hungry crowds.
Visitors enjoyed hay wagon rides, antique tractor displays from the Unity Antique Power Club, and a variety of children’s activities including inflatables and a dunk tank.
Vendors lined the grounds with handmade crochet items, rummage treasures, homemade candles, baked goods, mystery book bundles, garden plants – and so much more!
Saturday saw a full day of fun beginning with breakfast at the shelter house. The grounds filled once again with food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly entertainment.
One of the biggest draws at the 11:00 a.m. parade, where floats from community organizations made their way through town.
Classic car enthusiasts had the chance to flock to the Unity Cruise-In, along with a rib cook-off and exciting garden tractor pull.
An especially heartwarming aspect of the weekend was the community’s strong support for Avery Frey, a young local child whose bright spirit and beaming smile captured hearts across the event.
A 50/50 raffle and dunk tank were hosted in his honor, as well as the overall festival, benefiting Avery and his family. On Saturday afternoon, the cruise-in tent served as the site for the raffle drawing.
Avery Frey is a four-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. Avery has an extensive medical history, often resulting in many surgeries and therapies at his young age.
His adopted parents welcome the challenge, noting, “Avery is the happiest little guy with the best smile and laugh that will light up any room. He is very social and loves attention and meeting new people.
Though Avery has been through so much in his four years. He continues to make giant leaps and exceed all doctor’s expectations. Even though the hardest of times, Avery will always have the biggest smile and positive attitude!”
The event concluded Sunday morning with a time of fellowship, including coffee and donuts at 9:30 a.m., a worship service, and a free lunch to follow. A fitting end to a weekend rooted in generosity and neighborly connection.
As the June activities came to a close in West Unity, the smiles, laughter, and acts of kindness shared in Memorial Park served as an example of what makes the village special; a community that shows up, supports one another, and finds joy in coming together.