The Red Carpet Bowl was less than a day old and the cleanup crews were still removing debris from the two games as people again started filing into Memorial Stadium to take their places in the bleachers.

But Saturday’s event was not another gridiron classic, and the people sitting and waiting in the warm, humid morning were preparing to participate in an exercise of the spirit.

More than 50 people ignored the 83-degree morning heat and high humidity to participate in the city’s fourth annual Unity Prayer Walk to ask God for blessings and protection during the school year.

As they waited to take to the track, participants were serenaded with gospel music, performed exercises and were able to get information on health and seat belt and child restraint safety. Students could also qualify their schools to receive school supplies. Water and fruit were also available for the walkers, who circled the track for four laps, stopping occasionally at “prayer points” marked by columns of white balloons.

“We put this program together to pray for our schools, and to protect our children,” said Ebony Gardner, the program’s founder and co-coordinator. “Our children face so many dangers from bullying, school violence, fights.”

Co-coordinator Latasha Johnson said the annual event is the combination of two events held annually when school begins, a unity prayer program and the prayer walk, both held at Vicksburg High. “We decided to combine them,” she said.

“It gets bigger every year,” Gardner said. “We include the children, churches, pastors, the community, and different organizations.”

“All praying for support of the school,” Johnson said.

Regina O’Leary, a teacher at Vicksburg High, was attending her third prayer walk.

“I think prayer is important,” she said. “I pray for the success of the school system, the teachers, and for my students, for their success and safety.”

“We’re trying to influence our schools and community through prayers,” Priscilla Berry, one of the walkers, said.

“And give support to everyone who needs it,” added Mary Marshall.

Kisha Craig, said that support was needed by the teachers and coaches at the schools.

“And don’t forget the administrators; we need to include them,” said Wanda Bell.