URBANA, Illinois – The Division of Public Safety will host the Community Unity Festival on Tuesday, Aug. 27, to bring public safety agencies, service organizations and community members together. 

The event will take place between 5-8 p.m. on Aug. 27 on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign south quad. 

CU Fest is designed to create opportunities for law enforcement, students, faculty, staff and community members to interact in a positive, informal setting, jointly breaking down barriers and encouraging open communication.

“The purpose of CU Fest is to build bridges between law enforcement and the community we serve in a fun, interactive and creative way,” said Dementro Powell, Director of Community Development & Engagement for the Division of Public Safety. “It is also a tool to develop and maintain trust with our students.”

University Police hope CU Fest will encourage effective collaboration between law enforcement, student groups, university departments and local organizations to work towards common goals of safety, inclusion, communication and community unity. 

“Maintaining a safe campus for our students and community is a top priority,” said University of Illinois Police Chief Matthew Ballinger. “Community policing helps us achieve this by enabling close collaboration and open dialogue with local organizations and the residents of Champaign-Urbana.”

CU Fest is designed to help foster strong relationships between law enforcement, students and community members in a festive and inclusive setting. 

Attendees can expect to see over 60 vendors, including area public safety agencies, local businesses and community organizations.

CU Fest is free and open to the public and will offer tours of first responder vehicles, various games and activities, free food, ice cream and much more.