International Food & Art Festival returns to Jackson Sept. 21
JACKSON, Tenn. — One popular festival is returning to the Hub City.
The Jackson International Food and Art Festival is returning and plans on being even bigger than it has been before.
Ahead of its 10th annual celebration, there was a press conference held at Jackson City Hall to give all of the details.
Madison County Mayor A.J. Massey spoke about why he thinks this event is special.
“I can tell you that there are festivals across West Tennessee that celebrate catfish, that celebrate barbeque, that celebrate teapots and strawberries, but there is not one that celebrates the rich diversity of their community like this one,” Mayor Massey said.
The event is growing and because of that, a decision was made to extend the time to make the event last longer.
Co-chair, Eduardo Morales, tells us when and where the event is happening, as well as thanking the many people who make this event happen each year.
“I really appreciate all of what you do. In different areas, everybody does something different, but everything is important,” Morales said. “First of all, it’s going to take place at the Fairgrounds, as the mayor mentioned, September 21st from 10 to 6.”
Last year, the festival moved to the Jackson Fairgrounds and it saw over 25,000 attendees. This drew a bit of an issue in regards to travel and parking. This issue is hopefully going to be resolved with some changes.
Not only will there be a free shuttle transporting visitors from the Carl Perkins Civic Center, but the roads will be routed in a specific way to make travel easier.
“So that’s a big problem, right?” said Dr. Sandra Dee. “So we figured out what to do. As I said, this big map here will tell you how you will come to the festival that day. There will be road closures and how you will go into the festival a certain way only.”
This remains a free event. Entry is free, parking is free, and shuttle is free.
Vendors are no longer being accepted, however, they are still accepting applications for cultures to join the parade for about the next five days.
Also, volunteers are also encouraged to sign up for a specific time slot to help.
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