TUSCUMBIA-The North Alabama African Heritage Association will host the Annual North Alabama African Heritage Festival on Friday and Saturday, June 2nd and June 3rd, 2017 at the Willie Green Recreation Park in Tuscumbia.
Wallace D. Ricks of Tuscumbia, an organizer of the festival, is expecting a big crowd. “We’ve had people calling from all over the country wanting to know about the festival. Many of them have set their vacation around the festival. They enjoy coming and listening to the music, hearing the speakers, watching the performers and seeing their family and friends. It’s like a big family reunion.”
Susann Hamlin, president and CEO of Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau, said the North Alabama African Heritage Festival is one of the largest annual celebrations in the Shoals. “It’s a huge event for our area.”
This year’s festival kicks off at noon Friday, June 2 with a series of lectures on 
subjects ranging from diversity and black history to art. Music on the grounds will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday.
The festival continues on Saturday, June 3 with a gospel music concert at 11 a.m., with performances by reggae musicians, dancers and other entertainers to follow.
“All of our music is family friendly,” Ricks said. “Our festival is a great event for people of all ages.”
There will be numerous vendors on hand with food, clothing, African attire, paintings and a variety of other items. Friday and Saturday’s festival events are provided free by the Association with help from city of Tuscumbia and Shoals area merchants. For more information call 256-335-2911.
