Food Vendor


Background

The Down Home Family Reunion is a celebration of African American folklife.  During the third weekend in August, this festival connects aspects of West African traditions with those of African Americans through the ambiance of a family gathering.   The festival’s location is Abner Clay Park, located downtown in Historic Jackson Ward.  

World music and dance headline the Down Home Family Reunion along with site demonstrations and children’s programs. This event couples history with its contemporary significance.  As with most family reunions, food from traditional recipes is the centerpiece. The festival becomes complete with the Juanita Ragland Heritage Market of merchandise and food.



Thematic and Pricing

The Down Home Family Reunion celebrates the influence of West African cultural traditions on African American culture and on the culture of the American south.  Of course, foods -- their origin, their style of preparation, the seasonings, the choices of dishes, etc. -- help to tell this story.  Many foods familiar to the tables and the palates of African Americans and Southerners such as collard greens, yams in their various presentations, corn in its various presentations (whether kernel or meal), fish or fowl, plantains or curry to add Caribbean spice, for example, are connected to West Africa.  Further, the foods offered at the Down Home Family Reunion also provide a reconnection and appreciation of the holistic and natural aspects of culture.  Therefore, the festival is committed to promoting a healthy diet through healthy cuisine.  Menus should include neither pork or pork products nor beef or beef products.  

Please keep sales prices in the range of $1.00 - $12.00.



Here's How You Can Participate

•  The Early Bird rate for full food service providers is $600.  The fee for half food service providers is $450.   The fee for festival food kiosks is $275.  

Early Bird Special! If the postmark for your certified funds is by July 27 or your credit card payment is made by August 3, you will receive the Early Bird rate.  After July 27, the regular rate applies as follows:  Full food service providers, $650, half food service providers, $500, festival food kiosks, $325.