VIDEO: Eduardo Morales discusses Jackson International Food & Art Festival (in Spanish).
The 8th Annual Jackson International Food & Art Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, October 1, on the court square in downtown Jackson.
Food and art are important themes present in all cultures, countries, and religions, and the festival serves as a place for all cultures to share their cuisine, art, and traditional performances in downtown Jackson.
“This is one of the greatest events in Jackson, because it involves all of the diversity of culture,” said Eduardo Morales, event founder and co-chair, “The first event was held in 2014 and went from approximately 2,000 people participating to about 12,000 for this event.
“We are very excited about it has been growing, and it is very positive for the community … embracing cultures which gives everyone a better understanding of others.”
The free event will include:
- Parade of Cultures
- 80 Food Booths (small fees for samples), 9 food trucks
- Performances (Music, Demonstration, Dancing and, Storytelling)
- Booths (Merchandise or Business, Artists and Craftsman, Cultural Activities and Demonstrations)
The festival’s mission is to spread cultural awareness, promote cross-cultural engagement, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of residents throughout West Tennessee. With a goal of reminding the community that despite differences in appearance, how we worship, or where we come from, there is far more that unites us than divides us.
According to co-chairpersons Eduardo Morales and Dr. Sandra Dee, “Our business sponsors are very important to the growth of the festival each year. And we’d like to thank them for making this festival possible.”
The City of Jackson
Dignitaries:Â National Endowment for the Arts, West TN Healthcare, Jackson State Community College and Delta Faucet Company
Diplomats:Â TN Arts Commission, Central West TN Association of Realtors, Hitachi, ABB, TBDN, Toyota Boshoku, Gerdau, AARP
Attache: The Jackson Clinic, West TN Bank, Leaders Credit Union, Bank of Jackson, Edward Jones, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, Pacific Manufacturing, Kristi Seaton Turnbow
Delegates:Â Community Bank, First Citizens National Bank, Regions Bank, Krenis Law Firm
Friends:Â Glen Vanderford
Without these generous companies the JIFAF wouldn’t be what it is today!
If you are interested in being involved, please select from the links below:
- Parade Registration
- Volunteer Registration
To learn more about registration and sponsorship opportunities, or to be a part of the festival visit www.JIFAF.com, Facebook, Instagram
(PHOTO: Eduardo Morales, left, and Dr. Sandra Dee. Eduardo founded the Jackson International Food & Art Festival, and co-chairs the event with Dr. Dee)
