The sixth annual Out of the Darkness, Into the Light Overdose awareness candlelight walk and festival is set for July 17.

Safer Streets for Tamaqua’s Little Feet hosts the annual event at Owl Creek Reservoir from noon to 6 p.m.

“We really want this to be about recovery this year - the walk,” said Tammy Sienkiewicz, Safer Streets treasurer. At 5 p.m., we have our time to remember. Before that, until 5 o’clock, we want it to be about people in recovery and celebrating them and show that recovery is probable.”

William Rowan is the 2021 guest speaker.

Rowan is a resident of Schuylkill County and a behavioral health expert.

“We met him when we started Safer Streets at one of the educational events that we went to,” said Sienkiewicz. “Amazing man; very educated, very caring. He goes above and beyond for the community.”

Naloxone training and distribution by New Roots is scheduled for 2 p.m.

“The pandemic really set things back majorly,” Sienkiewicz said. “What they tell you in recovery is don’t isolate. What does the pandemic tell you? Isolate.”

There will be carnival games, snow cones and free popcorn for children. Food and drink such as barbecue and pierogies will be available for purchase, but there’s a special treat for the community this year.

“Monica (Russop) is making the original chili for the hot dogs,” Sienkiewicz said. “We’ll have the original famous Tamaqua chill dogs there.”

Drive Train, who also performed at last year’s event, will provide music throughout the afternoon.

Admission to the event is free.

Deadline for sponsors is June 15. For more information, call 570-527-9277 or email saferstreetstamaqua@gmail.com