More than 4,000 tri-state residents will gather at the World Peace Bell on Sunday, June 2 to participate in the eighth annual Cross the Bridge for Life event held at 421 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky.

As  the battle of protection of life at all stages wages on, thousands will cross the Purple People Bridge, representing their support for life. Festivities begin at 1:30 p.m. and include music from the Office of African American Catholic Ministries Gospel Choir from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the Lee Roessler Band, Circus Mojo performers, face painting, balloon artists, and more. Food will be available for purchase from several vendors.

The walk will begin after a short program at 3:00 p.m. featuring Honorary Event Chairman Matt Swaim, producer of the Son Rose Morning Show, Sacred Heart Radio/EWTN; plus Father Mario Tizziani representing the Diocese of Covington and Pastor Peter LaRuffa of Grace Fellowship Church, and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s Auxiliary Bishop Joseph R. Binzer.

William Polzin, eminent fetal care specialist and Medical Director for Healthy Beginnings, will ring the World Peace Bell. Bagpipers from the Ancient Order of Hibernians will once again lead the walkers across the bridge. The event will end back at the World Peace Bell with a free picnic by JTM Food Group, and more music by the Lee Roessler Band. A coalition of more than 20 area pro-life organizations present this positive event for the community.

For more information, see CrossTheBridgeforLife.com or contact planning committee co-chair Karen Riegler at [email protected] (Kentucky) or Paula Westwood at [email protected] (Ohio).