Regency Park enjoys back to school youth BBQ

Jerod Hines shares a moment with local kids during last Saturday’s “Children of our Youth” back to school barbeque event.

COATESVILLE —With the city and surrounding area in need of a little good news, J-30 Entertainment brightened Labor Day weekend for an entire neighborhood Saturday, with music, food, fun and more.

The event — which debuted this year but is expected to become an annual event was put on by city resident Jerod Hines and J-30 Entertainment was dubbed “Children of our Youth” back to school barbecue/festivities Aug 31.

Children of all ages at the Regency Park Apartments awoke to  a day of fun, featuring loud music, the smoke from fresh cooked hot dogs and hamburgers, bounce houses, water slides, dunk tanks, horses, antique cars and motorcycles, a large video game truck, free haircuts from local barbers, snow cone machines, cotton candy machine and school supplies.

Jerod Hines, right, enjoys a moment with local kids enjoying video games during Saturday’s Back To School BBQ, sponsored by Hines and J-30 Entertainment.

“There was nothing like witnessing this great moment as the children’s usual element became a day of enjoyment, laughter, and abundance on in one day,” Hines said afterward.

He thanks those who made it possible, saying that he wanted to do something to put a positive spin on life in the city, even when it faces challenges.

“There is strength in numbers and unity, but without dedication and support it’s not easy,” he said. “We cannot allow the crabs in a barrel to continue to pull us down as we try to prosper. We are only as strong as our weakest link.”

Hines expressed thanks to many, including those in his family, for helping to make Saturday’s event a reality.

“I would like to thank all who dedicated their devoted time and commitment to my project,” Hines said. “This event took patience, trust, loyalty, communication and understanding.”