22nd Down Home Family Reunion

The 22nd Annual Down Home Family Reunion will take place from 4pm to 11pm, Saturday, August 18, 2012 at Abner Clay Park located neat Belvidere and West Leigh Streets.

Here is more information from Elegba Folklore Society:
The 22nd Annual Down Home Family Reunion explores a full spectrum of music, dance, stories, food, shopping and enrichment in this Celebration of African American Folklife. It's a heritage festival that takes attendees on a folkloric journey from West Africa through the Caribbean and into America. Of course, Virginia is at the historic epicenter of the latter movement.

Legendary funk Rock & Roll Hall of Fame all-stars, Original P, will headline the event. Elegba Folklore Society's culturally enriching performance company will appear with a colorful and interactive program of African dance, music and the oral tradition that celebrates the oneness of the African Diaspora.

As a highlight of the 22nd Annual Down Home Family Reunion attendees will have the chance to participate in two Interactive Folkloric Demonstrations. Attendees can see and learn about the richness of ancient Kemet (Egypt), African people in antiquity and Africaʼs influence on world development in the Our African Story exhibit.

Events for children and teens are focused in the Annie Tyler Memorial New Skool Pavilion and include take-home craft making, moon bouncing, games, performances on the New Skool Stage and more.

Food is a familiar way to continue the celebration of shared traditions, and it continues to be a centerpiece for the Down Home Family Reunion. This year's
selections will include Southern style chicken, corn-fried fish, an assortment of down home vegetables, frozen fruits and mouth-watering desserts that are African-inspired and Southern favorites.

Down Home Family Reunion is grateful to offer parking for the Family Festival in the lots at Belvidere Medical Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church and Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church. Signage will help direct patrons to these locations.