The York OC spent Halloween building community in West York at the Hallo-WE Together Festival. York PPF members stepped up to organize the festival after its usual sponsor backed out. They gathered donations and volunteers from throughout the community to create a safe and fun space for area children, including a “trunk-or-treat,” face painting, and performances from local artists. Approximately 400 people attended!
via John Pavancello of the York Dispatch
In October, members of the York OC organized to reject racism and unseat the mayor of West York. The Hallow-WE Together festival was a chance to unite and celebrate the community people had come together to defend. South Central PA organizer Carla Christopher helped organize the event, and she spoke about the importance of PPF being involved in community events like this one.
“Raising our profile and turning Put People First into an South Central PA household name … we are making real progress,” she said. “Aside from West York residents, we had people come from several surrounding municipalities, and many people of color, because they wanted to support a specifically multiethnic, inclusive Halloween festival. I love the diversity considering West York is only 12% minority and known as a very white area. Apparently residents from all over the county came specifically because they wanted a safe, place that welcomed families that looked like them.”
via John Pavancello of the York Dispatch
Check out local coverage of the celebration:
West York comes together to heal Halloween
West York bands together to continue annual Halloween celebration