By CLARKE STACKHOUSE / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY – St. Vincent’s One Nineteen is hosting its 10th annual block party Saturday, June 18 at 5 p.m.

One Nineteen marketing and communications manager Lauren Nichols said the Block Party started as a way to give the community a chance to receive free health screenings but changed over the years.

“The health screenings are still at the heart of the block party,” Nichols said, “but its evolved into party-like, festival atmosphere.”

Nichols said the event is a great, free evening for the whole family to have fun and will include inflatables, local vendors, food trucks and a game truck. A highlight of the festivities will be hot air balloon rides.

Local band “Act of Congress” will preform at this year’s block party back by popular demand from last year’s performance, Nichols said.

She said the block party is a fun way to celebrate health and wellness and give families the opportunity to take time and receive health screenings that have been “ultimately life-saving.”

The block party follows the mission of St. Vincent’s to “sustain and improve the health of individuals and communities.”

Nichols said the block party has had phenomenal reception with a crowd of almost 2,500 last year and expected to grow this year.

“Anything we can do to create a healthier community is an advantage to all of us,” Nichols said.

For more information on the block party visit Onenineteen.com.