They’re also seeking relevant vendors and volunteers!
Haitian food and culture is no longer an expensive flight away. In fact, it’s a lot closer than you might think. This year on September 4th, the inaugural Carolina Haitian Food Festival is coming to the International House at Plaza Midwood. The festival will bring together Haitian food, culture, shopping, music, all within a comfortable and respected community.
Prices run at $15 per person, while VIP members, at a $50 price point, get the benefits of early entry or skip-the-line entry and a catered meal brought to you while you hang out in the VIP lounge. Kids under 7 get in free, and kids between 6-12 are $7.
Some of the events you can partake in during the event are the competitive dominos tournament (an activity popular in the Carribbean), a kids corner for the little ones, and the couples compast dance off.
The festival came from a conversation between 3 food truck vendors in the Carolina who are creating their own brand of Haitian cuisine. Christina Bowman’s Ms. Didi’s Caribbean Kitchen sells local cuisine at different pop-ups and events in Charlotte and Dafney Tales-Lafortune runs the Durham-based Haitian street food food truck called Bon Fritay. The other festival runner, Dianna, is from Burger Divas is also one of the most known food bloggers in the Charlotte area.
According to Dafney, “The Festival came to be after we realized that there has been no space or forum locally to connect the growing Haitian population. We are really desperate for that connection.” The festival will act as a way for them to showcase and share their culture in an authentic and meaningful way.”
“Each of us does this on our own right, with our individual platforms,, but to then come together to put on an event at this scale will be impactful for not only the Haitian community here, but for those unfamiliar with who we are as a people.”
Together, they’re going to work with local Haitian vendors to create a one-of-a-kind experience never before seen in Charlotte.
If you’re interested in volunteering at this event, you can sign up on their website to help out with the festivities. They’re also looking for talent and vendors, so if you’re interested, you can sign up here.
The festival is on Saturday, September 4th, from 3pm to 8pm at 1817 Central Ave. Charlotte.
[featured image: Patrice S. Dorsainville]