Kick Off Summer With Lansing Salvation Army’s Block Party

It's going to be a hot one this weekend! If you're planning on doing anything outdoors, make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks with you.

If you're looking for something fun to do tomorrow, Saturday, June 5, check out The Salvation Army Lansing Capital Area's Neighborhood Block Party!

It's a free, family-friendly, outdoor event that kicks off at 2 p.m. and ends at 5 p.m. While you're checking out all of the activities the block party offers, you can cool yourself down with a free snow cone or enjoy other drinks and snacks.

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If you're feeling lucky, enter to win a free bike! They're doing a bike raffle for all ages.

After you take the kids to get their faces painted, if you're interested in giving back, there will be a bake sale benefitting the Salvation Army's Beginnings Child Care center.

The event will be located outside of the Citadel building at 525 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

The history of The Salvation Army

In 1865, Methodist minister William Booth began The Salvation Army to help struggling individuals that were unable to attend or unwelcome at the traditional church in England.

Before going by the name "The Salvation Army," Booth's organization was called "The Christian Mission" which included 1,000 volunteers and evangelists.

In 1878, Booth read a printers proof that stated "The Christian Mission is a volunteer army." Booth crossed out "volunteer army," and added "Salvation Army." From then on, those who joined were known as Salvationists.

More information on The Salvation Army's history can be found on their website.

Here's some fun things that will keep you cool this summer!