Winton Hills residents lined the sidewalks, hung out the windows and peeped out their front doors as the “Unity in the Community” parade marched along Winneste Avenue Saturday.

Jerome Ransom, 6, blows on a pinwheel during the Unity in the Community in Winton Terrace on Saturday. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        The parade helped kick off a weekend event encouraging neighbors to get to know one another and participate in the community. The festival includes workshops, speakers, a talent show and about a dozen different vendors.

        The annual festival, in its second year, was held at Winton Montessori, 5300 Winneste Ave. It continues today from 2 to 6 p.m.

        “We had a vision to do something that really brought the community together,” said the Rev. Chi p Hall of Winton Hills Community Presbyterian Church. “We wanted to redefine the meaning of community.”

        The idea formed after last year's riots in April. After the turmoil, community and business leaders wanted to encourage unity in the neighborhood and with other neighborhoods.

        Winton Hills resident Jennie L. House-Blythe missed the first fest because she was sick. But she said she was thrilled to make it Saturday.

        “I wasn't going to miss this year. I was going to have them wheel me here in my hospital bed if I had to,” she said. “Anything they do like this to get kids involved is good.”

        Groups like the Three Square Music Foundation entertained and spread a drug prevention message.

        “It's trying to get them off the corners and into the community,” said Brandy Richardson, 18, of Over-the-Rhine. “We're trying to turn the energy from negative to positive.”

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