Umoja Family Fest African Heritage & Parade

Now a community tradition for over five decades, the annual Umoja Family Fest African Heritage and Parade will be Aug. 4 through 6 at Judkins Park, 1129 23rd Ave. S.
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 4 and 5, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6.
The Umoja Family Fest Parade will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug 5. The parade will travel south on 23rd Avenue from Union Street to Judkins Park and will feature drill teams, dance troupes, masquerades, youth floats, community organizations and more.
"Umoja" is a Swahili word meaning "unity" and is the festival's main theme. An artistic and cultural event, the Umoja Fest will feature live music, food, vendors and activities for all ages.
Event highlights include the African drum and dance; jazz, soul, reggae, spoken word and poetry performances; fashion shows featuring local and national designers; a celebrity car show; history exhibits; a hip-hop youth empowerment rally and talent showcase; dance contests; basketball and soccer tournaments; an education fair; a community wellness fair; the "Bite of Africa"; a vendor marketplace and community resource fair; voter registration and more.
Children's Day occurs from noon to 5 p.m. Friday and features water games, arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, a health and nutrition expo and more.
The Gospel Fest takes place on Sunday and features traditional and contemporary performances of gospel music by choirs, soloists and praise dancers.
For more information call 1-877-505-6306 or visit www.umojafestnw.com. Volunteers are needed.