Not long ago, Bruce Anderson and a handful of his boyhood friends from Alexandria decided to give back with a free community cookout.
The event was a bigger hit than the group anticipated, with hundreds of people showing up to the Nannie J Lee Memorial Recreation Center (1108 Jefferson Street). Now in its third year, the Southside Community Fest features free food, live musical performances, a DJ, special guest speakers, and more.
The event takes place on Saturday, August 9, from 12 to 8 p.m.
“We grew up in that neighborhood, and we came up with the idea for a small cookout,” Anderson told ALXnow. “Last year, we had more than 700 people attend. It’s a family-friendly event with free food and entertainment.”
Anderson said that Homebase Group Inc. is comprised of approximately 10 friends, all lifelong Alexandrians who grew up together in the southwest quadrant of Old Town. He said the group is working to become a nonprofit, and that members have paid for the cookout for the last three years.
Lance Harrell, interim executive principal at Alexandria City High School, has been confirmed as one of the guest speakers for the event. The second guest speaker hasn’t been confirmed yet.
The event will include performances by Mature Clientele, Mr. Armani’s Major League Band, Suttle, Ghost Rome, and saxophonist Tony Gatlin.
