Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – Hundreds of Northeast Arkansas residents gathered Saturday at the St. Bernards Auditorium as Neighbors in Need NEA hosted its fifth annual Community Picnic, providing free barbecue meals, family activities and connections to community resources for those in need.
The event featured pulled pork, barbecue chicken and side dishes, along with bounce houses, live music and information booths from several community organizations. Organizers had expected between 1,200 and 1,400 attendees and emphasized that no one would be turned away. Guests were also invited to take meals home for family members.
The demand proved overwhelming. Shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday, Neighbors in Need NEA announced on Facebook they were “Officially out of food,” highlighting the tremendous community response to the event.
Among the many volunteers was reigning Little Miss Diamond State Amara Newson, who spent the day serving meals and sharing information about Backpack Full of Dreams with attendees.
“I spent today helping Neighbor’s in Need NEA serve at their annual community picnic,” Newson wrote on Facebook. “I made new friends, danced, and served so many people! They also allowed community resources to come out and set up information booths, so of course I had to share Backpack Full of Dreams with everyone! Thank you for this wonderful event and allowing me to help out today! I can’t wait for next year!”
Music for the picnic was provided by Cornelius Cleary of DJ CC Production, who reflected on the event’s impact in a Facebook post afterward.
“Today was a great reminder of what community is all about,” Cleary wrote. “Thank you to Neighbor’s in Need NEA, all of the sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who came out to make this event a success. It was an honor to provide the music for a day filled with great food, fun, and fellowship.”
Neighbors in Need NEA co-founder Brad Dillon said before the event that the annual picnic was created to help alleviate food insecurity while bringing the community together for a day of fellowship and support.