Live music, a barbecue and games were part of Mountain Vineyard Christian Fellowship’s Community Backyard Block Party and Festival last Saturday.

The free, six-hour event on the church’s soccer field included family-oriented activities such as a mechanical bull and inflatable toys. Among the stage performers were Richard Thomas, a former professional and Kentwood High School football player.

The Covington church also had a serious purpose behind the fun, as participants were asked to donate school supplies for underprivileged children in the community. The supplies will go to the Covington Storehouse Food Bank to help support a back-to-school drive for backpacks and free haircuts.