By: Richard L. Smith
A beautiful Saturday morning marks the start of a promising weekend for the 24-Hours of Peace event in Newark's West Ward. Sunny skies and warm temperatures set the stage for festival-goers.
Following last night's overnight concert, today's festivities will continue under mostly sunny conditions. Temperatures are expected to reach a pleasant high of 85 degrees.
The National Weather Service reported that the heat rise won't be accompanied by heavy humidity, making it an ideal day for outdoor activities.
NWS forecasters say clear skies and a calm west wind of 3 to 7 mph will carry through the day and into the night, with temperatures dipping to a low of 66 degrees.
The weekend warm-up signals a late-summer comeback for North Jersey and no rain or precipitation is expected, ensuring today's Fairmont Heights section of Newark festival can go on without a hitch.
Those in the area are encouraged to head over to Central Avenue and 10th Street, where the Urban League of Essex County will host the community portion of the 24-Hours of Peace event.
The family-friendly festival will feature a range of activities, including sand art, face painting, giant versions of Jenga and Connect Four, and free back-to-school haircuts.
Both the concert and festival events are free and open to the public, creating an inviting atmosphere for residents to come together and enjoy a weekend dedicated to peace and unity in the community.