Aiken, South Carolina — Unity Weekend, Aiken’s largest festival of faith and culture, returns next week with two days of programs to bring the community together.
The organization, organized by Umoja Village, connects people with the tools they need “in the spirit of Umoja, which means unity,” according to Donna Westby. “Unity Weekend is just one of those huge events that we present to the community to bring the community together.”
The weekend begins Friday, October 17, with a golf tournament at Cedar Creek Golf Club. “We’ve got 71 golfers already,” remarked Don Westby. “The monies raised goes towards helping our crime prevention initiatives as well as supporting our Richard Johnson Jr. Umoja Village Resource Center.”
People who do not play golf can still participate. “People can actually come and cheer on the golfers,” Donna told me. “They can enter the silent auction and other contest giveaways. We began the Unity Works campaign this year. So, if you want to help us do amazing things for this community, please visit our website, umojavillage.com.
Saturday comes Shout Fest Unity Fest, the CSRA’s largest free outdoor gospel festival. “Every year, people look forward to the Shout Fest Unity Fest. Don remarked, “It’s not just Aiken; we’re talking about Augusta and neighboring towns.” The festival includes all-day gospel performances, 50 vendors, and a kids’ zone. “Our headliner this year is Melvin, Chris Bell II, an incredible young gospel performer, and everyone adores Wes Morgan, Monica, Lisa Stevenson, Chris Parker, and the exciting Abraham Brothers. “The list goes on.”
Beyond the festivities, Umoja Village highlights the concept of unity. “Unity is an action word to us,” Donna stated. “It means bringing people together, no matter what background, to just recognize that we are more alike than we are different…to celebrate each other, to lift up our Lord.”
For additional information, go to umojavillage.com. The golf competition begins Friday at 9:30 a.m. at Cedar Creek Golf Club, while the Shout Fest Unity Fest takes place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Generations Park in Aiken.
