FRANKLIN—Organizers of First Baptist Church Franklin’s Community Family Reunion 2011 expected 350 to 400 people for the Sunday event. Instead, between 500 and 550 turned out.

“For a first time out, this is awesome,” said Felicia Jackson, who represented SunTrust Mortgage at the reunion. “This is an outstanding turnout.”

Jackson said she regularly attends similar events and said drawing such a large crowd for a first-time event is not the norm.

“I think it’s excellent,” she said. “This is a great success.”

Praise dancers, step teams, poets, singers and even a gospel rapper representing several local churches performed during the gathering at Paul D. Camp Community College’s Regional Workforce Development Center. Attendees were also treated to a meal and prizes.

First Baptist Church member Robin Jones said the purpose of the event was to bring different churches together and help foster “unity in the community.”

Melissa Mabry, another First Baptist member, was pleased that there was something for everyone “from the youngest children to older members” and said she heard only positive feedback about the event.

“I think it went really, really well,” she said, adding that several attendees expressed interest in visiting or even joining First Baptist.

Several businesses, like SunTrust, were also on hand to showcase the services they provide.

Cheryl Bowers attended the event and showcased her Como, N.C.-based business called Elegant Occasions.

“Everybody seems to be enjoying themselves,” she said. “Hopefully the small businesses will grow.”

Church officials haven’t decided whether to make the reunion an annual event, Jones said.