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AHOSKIE – In recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Month, the Ahoskie Police Department is planning a special event next weekend.

“Guns down, Prayers up” will be held Saturday, June 22 at the all-purpose field adjacent to the Town of Ahoskie Gym on Main Street. The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

It will feature free food and drinks as well as giveaways, to include gun locks, according to Ahoskie Police Chief Michele Garrett.

“We want everyone to come out,” she said. “We want this to be a big event, especially paying attention to its purpose and that is our ongoing effort to reduce gun violence.”

The event begins with a march, starting at Memorial Square on Main Park (formerly known as No Man’s Land, located at the railroad crossing on Main Street). The march will end at the all-purpose field.

“During the march, we’re asking families who have lost loved ones to gun violence to march with their photo,” Chief Garrett said. “We’ll have a table set up at the event where those photos will be displayed. We want all to know that these victims of gun violence are never forgotten.”

The event will also feature bouncy houses for the kids. The Town Gym will be open for basketball.

Those attending are encouraged to wear orange clothing in tribute to National Gun Violence Awareness Month.

Those wishing to share stories on how gun violence has affected them – whether you were a victim, the loved one of a victim, or have encouraging words based on experience – to contact Chief Garrett via email at mgarrett@ahoskienc.gov no later than June 17.