Arts & Entertainment, Featured

Caribbean Festival coming to Bessemer

Caribbean music, food and a parade are on tap for a festive celebration of Caribbean heritage on June 1 in Historic Downtown Bessemer. The Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization (CACAO) is hosting its Eighth Annual Caribbean Food and Music Festival from noon until 8 p.m. at DeBardeleben Park in downtown Bessemer. The event is free to the public. This is the first year the city of Bessemer will host the event. CACAO organizers say thousands have attended the event in past years in downtown Birmingham.  Alabama Power, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Iberia Bank, McDonald’s, 98.7 KISS FM, Roxxy on the Rocks are the sponsors. The event is described  as “a joyous, family friendly celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month. Visitors can enjoy Caribbean music, face painting, dancing, food and an authentic Caribbean parade. Come eat your fill of jerk chicken, dance in the street and have a fabulous day. And best of all it’s family friendly so bring the family.”

CACAO co-founder Pauline Ford told Al.com that she is happy to see the festival, which had been held in Birmingham,  return and be in Bessemer.

“This really is a safe space for all people to come,” Ford said.

For more information or to become a vendor at the event, see the flyer below: