woodson festival family_fc_web.jpgOAKLAND PARK — The Harlem McBride/N.E. 43 Street  Neighborhood Association and the city of Oakland Park Parks and Leisure Services Department will host the sixth annual Dr. Carter G. Woodson Heritage Festival at Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie Hwy, Oakland Park. The celebration will take place from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19.

“The Dr. Carter G. Woodson Festival has grown into of our city’s most popular events, along with Youth Day and Oktoberfest,” said Oakland Park Mayor Allegra Webb Murphy.  “Moving the festival to our new downtown park will increase the visibility and provide additional space for parking, vendors, rides and other attractions.”

The festival was started in 2006 to recognize and celebrate the life and accomplishments of Carter G. Woodson, an African-American historian, author, journalist and the founder of Negro History Week which later became Black History Month.

Continuous entertainment will feature Joe Wright & Pure Justice Band with Felicia Flint, Eloquence the Band, African drums and dance, spoken word poetry and a step-show exhibition.
Food booths will serve festival favorites and a vendor marketplace will offer an assortment of art, collectibles and crafts.

The festival will also include midway rides and games and provide a cultural and educational experience for children.

“This year’s festival will be significantly larger,” said Oakland Park’s Special Events Coordinator Eric Waters.  “We have a full day of entertainment and activities that will appeal to the entire family.”
City staff will also be distributing vouchers for free flu shots courtesy of Walgreens and the Broward County Health Department.


For more information, call 954-459-0544 or 954-630-4500 or visit www.oaklandparkfl.org.