Recreation committee forwards Peace, Love and Unity Festival to full City Council

The City of Chester Recreation Committee voted unanimously March 18 to forward a proposal for the Peace, Love and Unity Festival to next week’s City Council meeting after Councilman Green presented plans for a downtown, family-oriented event this September.

Councilman Green, who presented the proposal, said, “The festival will take place this September from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., right outside of City Hall.” He described the festival as “a community driven initiative designed to promote a safe, family-friendly environment” and said it would span downtown from City Hall down to Avenue and Estates, stopping at the Transportation Center.

The proposal estimates the festival’s budget at $50,000 to cover entertainment, stage and security, vendors, marketing and logistics. According to Green, the city previously approved $25,000 in last year’s budget and organizers plan to raise the remaining $25,000 through sponsorships. Green said organizers are trying to secure R&B artist Keke Wyatt as a headliner but have not finalized a contract; he told the committee that other local performers will be booked after the headliner and that local artists will receive stipends.

Committee members asked about artist confirmations and outreach to downtown businesses. Councilwoman West said she understood the need to secure a headliner first and expressed confidence in Green’s ability to obtain sponsorships. Green said he has reached out to several local artists and is working with event coordinator Crystal Burrell and with Tyra Starr, owner of Dream Event Space, who has been spoken to about participating. Green also said the organizers plan to include a kids zone, vendor booths, food vendors and community resource tables.

A representative from the Parks Department told the committee the department fully supports bringing the festival back in the fall and that the department’s crew is available to assist with event logistics.

Before adjourning, an unnamed committee chair moved to place the festival proposal on next week’s City Council agenda; the motion was seconded by Councilman Green and approved with all present voting “aye.” The committee did not specify an exact September date for the festival in its presentation.

The item will appear on the City Council agenda next week for further consideration and any formal approvals needed to confirm the date, contracts and final budget.