BWROC to host Recovery Fest Sept. 14 at Pine Grove Park

The Blue Water Recovery & Outreach Center will be hosting a celebration on Sept. 14 for those recovering from addiction.

The center has previously hosted an annual softball game to honor those in recovery, but this year it decided to expand the event to become a wider community event called Recovery Fest, according to BWROC Executive Director Patrick Patterson.

"Recovery is one of those things that affects every family and comes typically at the worst moment of a person’s life," Patterson said. "I think it’s important for us to acknowledge the work that goes into it."

The event will be held at Pine Grove Park starting at 1 p.m. and is free to attend. Patterson said the center has arranged for more than 60 vendors to be present, as well as several family activities and a petting zoo with small exotic animals. Other entertainment will include a rock climbing wall a barbeque, face painting and several interactive games.

Several musical performances will also be held live. Motivational speakers will be present to discuss their own experiences recovering from addiction.

The 5K Strides for Recovery Run/Walk will begin at 4:30 p.m. and is open to all ages. The softball game from previous years will start at 6 p.m. and include teams for the fire department, police department, recovery and local churches.

Patterson said addiction is often difficult and shameful for those going through it, and a festival to show community support can act as a counterweight to those negative feelings.

"I'm much more likely to make good decisions when I know I have people supporting you," Patterson said.

Those wishing to sponsor or volunteer for Recovery Fest can contact BWROC at (810) 689-4858. Those wishing to participate in the 5K run/walk can sign up online at https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=72274 .

Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: BWROC to host Recovery Fest Sept. 14 at Pine Grove Park