For the past two years in the quaint town of Hokes Bluff, Alabama, October 1 calls for community, music, and shaved ice: this year was no different.

The third annual City Fest was an event that allowed me to connect with my home in a way that I hadn’t felt in at least a year. Wandering through stalls of goods from local shops and art created by neighbors down the street, one can see the beauty that humanity can create. This is a venue that highlights the quality of the individual and encourages family. Playing cornhole and riding fair rides for free created a sense of unbridled joy from the children of our community, and for almost adults like myself, it allowed for a sense of childish freedom. Getting a shooting star painted on my face and an airbrushed racing horse tattoo were remnants of a past life that doesn’t seem quite so far away now. And that is part of the magic of our beloved city fest: it’s a time to step away from the worries of "adulting" to enjoy life with friends and family.

Like many other festivals, ours isn’t closed only to those we grew up with. Anyone and everyone is welcome and accepted because for this day the Hokes Bluff City Festival is a reunion for one big family. While there are hiccups, the ability to congregate and enjoy good music like the Sweet Tea Trio, Whiskey Dixie, Joe Diffy, and many more talented musicians overshadowed any ill will. Local vendors fed us the classics of hometown fairs: peanuts, hot dogs, and of course my personal favorite – shaved ice.

As a girl who hadn’t felt united with her community for years, seeing the faces that made up my childhood and being pulled into hugs by people who shaped who I am today, this day that lasted less than 24 hours created a joy and warmth in my soul that I will forever be grateful for.