2024 Festival Planning Committee

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What is your favorite part of the festival? I love the energy of the festival! All of the love and positive vibes that can be felt when our community comes together. People connect, learn new things, eat good food, and hear great music! #Fortheculture

Favorite memory of the festival? Some fond memories of the festival are when it was at Crownsville Fairgrounds and St. John’s College. My most recent favorite memory of the festival is the now Downtown area where the boating and restaurant communities have embraced us in encouragement and some partnerships to spread the knowledge of our history, heritage, and love for all people.

How many years have you been involved? I have been part of the festival, representing Chesapeake Children's Museum, for almost 29 years. I also represent the Clones of Funk - a local band that often closes out the event. Favorite memory of the festival? My favorite part of the festival is when the Clones of Funk are playing, and I start dancing, and people look confused and surprised because they've seen me interacting with children all day. Other people recognize me instantly as the “funklady” and dance with me.

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How many years have you been involved with the festival? I started volunteering in 2000, helping sell sodas and drinks. I became the chair of arts and crafts in 2012. What is your favorite part of the festival? Seeing all of us come together as a community, and as a people.

What do I see for the future of the festival? I have been enthusiastic to see the festival grow since 2015 until COVID-19. My hope is that we will get more support from the community and the city as we have almost surpassed the space the city has made available to us. I would urge anyone who is willing to join us and to lend your expertise and service to help us to continue to grow to volunteer. It takes a community!!