The day after the Fourth of July, the public is invited to participate in a water gun and water balloon event at J.P. Johnson Park called Guns Down, Water Guns Up.

Wanda Worley, owner of First Step Learning Lab LLC, said she and other business owners are organizing the event in response to a recent increase in shootings in Picayune.

“We want to soak the city with positivity,” Worley said.

The free event aims to bring the community together in an effort to combat instances of real gunfire with water guns and water balloons.

Each participant will be provided with a water gun and water balloons so they can engage in a water fight. Worley said there will also be wading pools for younger children and a water slide.

Chips and drinks will be provided for free, and vendors will be at the event selling hotdogs and snowballs.

Currently, Worley is looking for sponsors for the event, either in the form of supplies or monetary donations. Supply donations can include water guns, food, drinks, water balloons, water slides, tents, chairs, first aid items, and promotional items for gift bags.

Since it will be a family friendly event, security will be provided by local law enforcement agencies, and volunteer nurses will be on hand to ensure participants have a safe and enjoyable day.

The event will take place on July 5, from 2 to 7 p.m.

Anyone interested in providing donations can contact Worley at 601-347-1246 or via email at firststeplearninglab@gmail.com.