Downtown street fair sheds light and hope on mental illness stigma
The sound of music and the smell of food filled the air and the sight of young and not so young filled the streets in downtown Butler.
And all the fun Saturday was for a good cause.
It was the first ever Recovery & Resource Block Party sponsored by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services CARE Center.
Vendors hawked hot dogs, sausage, kettle corn and other treats, and peddled crafts and various wares on Main Street between Jefferson and Brady streets.
There was live musical entertainment and even a bounce house for the kids.
But there was something more to the day long street-type festival than just fun and games.
Lending their support to the event were numerous other non-profit organizations, volunteers and sponsors. They came to shed light on the stigmas surrounding mental illness.
From their makeshift booths, they offered help and hope.
“I wanted to bring them all to one spot. I wanted to bring the agencies to the community.”
Remone serves as volunteer coordinator for the Butler Mental Health Association's Compeer program.
Read more about Saturday's block party and this community cause in Monday's Butler Eagle or subscribe online.
