WEST POINT — The holiday weekend will be in full swing Sunday afternoon as thousands of people are expected to rejoice in the streets of West Point.

West Point will host the third annual West Point Day from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday on 9th Street.

Andrea Cox, West Point Day committee member, said the event has been happening for several years, but officially, it’s the third year.

“Since 2017, we started doing it more frequently and more structured,” she said.

The festivities got kicked off Friday night at the old West Point High gym, now owned by Point University, with a basketball game. The game was labeled as new school vs. old school. The teams had 15 players on each side, with the new school team consisting of players in the community under the age of 30 and the old school team consisting of players over the age of 30.

Also on Friday night, organizers honored a few park and recreational employees as well as the 1968 Harrison High basketball team that won the state championship that year. Cox said they are celebrating the team because when they won, schools were still segregated and the recognition wasn’t as prevalent.  

“We are honoring them because they have never been recognized before,” she said.

Additionally, the 1969 Harrison High team was also honored for bringing the state championship game that year to West Point. 

Cox said that team lost, but the title game was played in the city.

As for Saturday, Cox said nothing is officially planned, but there are likely to be several private parties throughout the neighborhood.

Starting Sunday, she said there will be a stage set up for local entertainment. She said about three or four rap groups will perform for about 5 to 10 minutes each. Then, there will be a DJ throughout the afternoon. At 4 p.m., there will be a live band from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Moreover, there will be a train for children and a game truck. Also, there will be about 10 food vendors and a clothing vendor. Those attending the event are also allowed to cookout during the festival.

Cox said this is a festival for everybody in the community and those who once lived in the city to get together and have a good time.

“It is a reunion,” she said. “Everybody looks forward to this one particular time of year. 

They can reminisce about the old days and see old friends and family.”

Cox said organizers are expecting about 5,000 people in the neighborhood on Sunday.

Mayor Steve Tramell hopes the day the is fun-filled and safe for the city.

“I hope everybody has a wonderful time with a day of unity for the city of West Point,” he said.