Caribbean Festival in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Mass Appeal) - It's a week full of family, food, fun and culture right here in Springfield -- it's the 2011 Caribbean Festival! Joining us to share more about the festivities are event organizer Vera O'Connor, fashion/talent coordinator Grace Smith and advisor of the Carribbean Festival Tracey Douglas.

Springfield: Caribbean American Cultural Center/Springfield Carnival Association will have its 2011 Caribbean Festival the third week in August.

There will be a Gospel Concert on Sunday, August 14, 2011 at the Karen Sprague Cultural Center at American International College. The Master of Ceremony will be Pastor Zachary Reynolds. There will be various local singers including Evenus Thompson, Brother Willie Naylor, Bishop Derrick Samms, Tom Bolden and Dr. Vilma Lovelace from Connecticut. Cost of tickets, $5 each. The public is invited. For tickets and more info, please call Evenus Thompson at (413) 747-7977 or Bud Williams at (413) 783-9592.

Monday, August 15, 2011, Proclamation of Caribbean Week by Mayor Domenic Sarno at Noon on the steps of Springfield City Hall. The public is invited and all Caribbean people are urged to come out with their flags. For more info, please call Vera O’Connor at (413) 726-9006

Fashion/Talent Show on Friday, August 19th in the theatre at Springfield Technical Community College. Time: 7 PM, cost $5 per ticket. The public is invited. For more info and tickets please call Grace Smith at (413) 636-0005 or Shirma Ferguson at (413) 242-2263.

Carnival Parade on Saturday, August 20, 2011. Carnival Dancers, floats, Caribbean Music, Elected Officials and more. Kick-off from State and Catharine Street at 1 PM to Blunt Park where there will be vendors, entertainment and more. Vendor space is available. For more info, please call Vera O’Connor at (413) 726-9006.