ELIZABETHTOWN —Through something as simple as a kickball tournament, groups from throughout the county came together Saturday for fellowship, food and fun at Leinwand Park.

The idea for what will now become an annual event came from Joe Lowery, pastor of Sword of the Lord Ministries in Elizabethtown. But even he was exceedingly happy with how things turned out.

“The need for unity of community is staring us in the face,” he said. “Thanks to all who reached out on Saturday to unite the Bladen County community in a day of fellowship and fun.”

Those who participated were greeted not only by plenty of activities, but sweltering heat as well. It didn’t slow anyone down or burn out anyone’s enthusiasm.

The day opened with a kickball competition between a couple of motorcycle clubs — the Riding With the Angels out of Big Show Auto Finish in Elizabethtown and the Klean Kut Riders Ministry under the direction of President Corey Faison.

Other teams competing in the day-long tournament included: Living Waters Worship Center, Elizabethtown Baptist Evangelistic Center, Sword of the Lord Ministries, Mt. Zion of Elizabethtown, Trinity Methodist AME Zionist of Harrells, Scorpio Enterprises, Glenda’s Just Desserts, Saddle Up Acres and Premium Credit Solutions.

When all was said and done, the Riding With the Angels team took the championship after a day of being undefeated in the tournament.

Some other highlights during the event included Corey Williams, The Prince of Praise, from radio station 1440 AM, The Branch, was present; Living Waters Worship Center’s Pastor Kenneth Nance served up chicken plates to raise money for their church; Elizabethtown Baptist Evangelistic Center’s Pastor Allen Skinner oversaw a bake sale/yard sale; gospel singer Dewey Ward entertained with music and a yard sale to benefit a victim of a house fire; Sword of the Lord Ministries members served hamburgers, hot dogs and turkey legs; Curtis McKinley of Scorpio Enterprises served up some gospel and R&B; Lamont Stephens of Elizabethtown Mt. Zion provided a basketball goal for entertainment, Glenda’s Just Desserts served up some soul food; Trinity Methodist AME Zionist’s Pastor Charles Whitted served fish and chicken sandwiches; 1440 AM/The Branch broadcast music for the crowd; and Saddle Up Acres offered pony rides for children.