Brownsville Oldtimers fest brings joy across generations

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The Brownsville community came together to celebrate the seniors in their community with their Old Timers Week festivities on Friday. The block party marked the 61st anniversary of the event, which helped to raise funding for programming at the Brownsville Recreation Center. "You have aunts, cousins, grandparents all out here coming back here and knowing each other all from the neighborhood - and that's what makes it different from any event that reunion for the masses," said director Jerry Childs. The day sees hometown heroes making their return and feeling the love from the community, including NFL Superbowl-winning running back Otis Wilson who says he makes it a point to be present in Brownsville. "I grew up in the ‘70s and it's good to come back and let the people know you came from the 'ville, never ran never will," he said adding he hopes kids can see his success and have a positive influence on kids looking to engage in sports. The event was filled with jazz music, food dancing and joy, as community members tell News12 it's a party they look forward to every year. "This whole thing makes me feel young again and happy, I love it," said Dorothy Vasquez, who tells News12 the music helps her reconnect with her younger party days. The community will get to do it all over again this Saturday and Sunday as Old Timers weekend continues. "