The City of Tallahassee is presenting the first Frenchtown iGrow Food & Art Festival this Saturday.
The event will revel in diverse food, culture and a large community. It is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dunn Street Youth Farm.
The premier of the Frenchtown iGrow Food & Art Festival will boast the splendor of local food gardens and restaurants, as well as showcase live entertainment from local talent such as South Florida Hip-Hop artist 2 Da Young SoulGah and singer/songwriters Chiedza Ponder and Kent Hitchingson.
Erica Jones, a junior nursing student from Tallahassee, is excited when events like the festival are present in the city.
“Growing up in Tallahassee, I feel really good when I attend the different festivals that the community hosts,” Jones said. “I also like the fact that you can learn things at some of the festivals that you might’ve never discovered about.”
Participants get to enjoy student performances by The Fabulous Step and Dance Team, and listen to jazz vocalist Derrick I Koelsch with Craig Beachem on the saxophone
Attendees can also expect a performance from the Florida State University African Dance and Drums Ensemble.
Zemoria Johnson, a sophomore pharmacy student from Tallahassee, is looking forward to attending the festivities.
“I look forward to hanging out with my family and friends,” Johnson said. “Networking with different vendors and of course-the entertainment and food.”
This festival also offers many activities for family and friends. Throughout the festival, the public can partake in art projects to hone their creativity.
Also, participants can compete in the jingle contest, provided by students from the Walker Ford and Laverne Payne Community Centers. The first and second place winners will be awarded a one-year scholarship for jazz voice or private piano lessons.
Kristen Goldsmith, a volunteer coordinator for iGrowth Youth Farm, is looking forward for the community to partake in the upcoming festival.
“We have workshops and entertainment and workshop for all ages,” Goldsmith said. Goldsmith hopes the community takes this “opportunity to a celebrate our vibrant community” and “share our unique talents with one other.”
The Frenchtown iGrow Food & Art Festival will highlight the GRO1000 Gardens and Green Spaces grant ScottsMiracle-Gro.
The grant was given Mayor John Marks at the US Conference of Mayors in January. It contributes to Tallahassee Food Network’s plan to increase food production.
As well as provide additional educational opportunities to learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle and community-based food systems.
A charitable donation of $1 for students and children and $2 for adults is asked at the festival to assist funding iGrow Youth Leader stipends and scholarships for jazz lessons.
The Frenchtown Southside Community Redevelopment Agency and community leaders helped to approve the grant. This was so the community could partake in such a spectacular family-friendly event.
Erica Jones, a junior nursing student from Tallahassee, believes it is essential for the community to continue having festivals with family and friends in mind.
“I think that it is important to have family-friendly events within the community because they encourage families spending time together,” Jones said. “They also help to bridge the gap between generations because they bring seasoned individuals and the youth together.”
The Frenchtown iGrow Food & Art Festival is located at 514 Dunn St. Tallahassee, FL, 32304.