WS Chronicle

Next week, the Jackson Avenue area will come alive with Zumba, food vendors, tennis and golf lessons and a whole lot of gospel music.

All of this will set the stage on Saturday, April 5 for the Feast Day Celebration at St. Benedict’s The Moor Catholic Church. This free community event will be centered around the church, which is located at 1625 12th St. Activities will stretch from 9:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. The centerpiece of the day will be the Gospel Jubilee from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. It will feature a cash prize to the audience-determined best performance.

Choirs are still registering for the event. (Registration ends Monday, March 31.) Groups and individuals currently on tap to perform include the Union Baptist Church Choir, Isaiah Jenkins, the Spirit Ensemble and Janet Taylor, who just released a gospel CD.

Vendors will be in abundance at the event, which will include a fish fry, a hot dog sale, collard green sandwiches, turkey wings and vendor booths with jewelry, Mary Kay cosmetics, t-shirts, original soaps, gift baskets, cakes and desserts. For the sports minded, the day will include tennis lessons and demos by Winston-Salem Tennis, Inc. and golf lessons.

As part of its outreach efforts the church also has arranged a lineup that includes health education and health screenings. A Zumba-style exercise event, known as Saka and featuring Patrice Topper, will kick off the day at 9:45 a.m. Cancer Services’ Body and Soul program, Winston-Salem State University’s mobile health unit, Whole Foods and the Winston-Salem Fire Department will also be on hand. A children’s zone will feature games, activities and prizes for the youngest visitors.

The community is encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy a day of celebration, fun and festivities. Choirs are invited to apply to take part by emailing stbenedictff@gmail.com or calling 336-287-6212.