For three days 20 residents from the Portland program assisted with the set-up, take down and the actual event for Community Outreach Services’ Bringing Unity in the Community, a festival designed to unify culture and diversity in the Louisville’s West End. “This is a remarkable opportunity for the community to come together,” said Metro Councilwoman Mary Woolridge, the festival’s co-sponsor. “Through tragic times, a community must stand together, and that is what we have labored to facilitate by hosting a two-day, family-oriented outdoor festival right in the heart of the West End Community of Algonquin.” Headlining the festival is Louisville’s own national recording singing group Linkin’ Bridge. The city has been experiencing an increase in violent crime lately and several leaders and groups are uniting to address the issue, said Portland Director Robert Lanning who also noted that this was Portland’s first experience with Community Outreach. Throughout the two-day festival, Algonquin Park will offer entertainment, entrepreneurs, health fair booths, job opportunities, and explanations on expungement.
