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The festive gathering held just outside the historical African-American Research Library in Reverend Samuel Develoe Memorial Park in early December, kicked-off a new collaborative project, Destination Sistrunk, as well as welcomed in the holiday season.
The four-hour event featured a mix of fun activities for all ages, such as spoken word, live music, dance performances, ethnic food, and a paint-a-mural program. Vendors sold their wares from sweet treats to unique fashion pieces during the afternoon, while performing artists took to the main stage to entertain a receptive audience. “Turn to the left, turn to the right,” one MC belted out on the mic as attendees swayed and danced along.
Destination Sistrunk wasn’t only an afternoon of community celebration, it also served as a Cultural Marketplace in which entrepreneurs and vendors got an opportunity to do business. A notable participating vendor Goose & Gander Brand, a clothing lifestyle brand inspired by the pursuit of passion, which boasts a beautiful classic Americana aesthetic of t-shirts, bags, and accessories.
Founder Tahaji Felder started the company a year ago, in response to losing her job as an accountant. She said that she found opportunity in the loss and looked at the situation as a means to finally free herself to pursue her dreams. That dream – and risk – of going off on her own. She was able to take advantage of the Cultural Marketplace to expose her brand to the community, and hopes to continue being involved.
The little ones kept busy with paint on large sheets of paper-rolls, creating an exciting way for the youngsters to flourish. “Hey, mom! Look, what I did!” We are sure the next Picasso will soon emerge!
Attendees were treated to an array of live musical performances, from strong vocals to serious instrumentalists. The talent – young and young-at-heart – graced the stage and wowed the audience, highlighting once again that Sistrunk and Broward County are home to a range of talent.
Since Destination Sistrunk opened up with so much success, another cultural marketplace is in the works, so be sure to keep an eye out for the announcement. We’ll keep you posted..and until then, visit here for further information.
This new economic initiative to spur cultural tourism activity in Fort Lauderdale’s cultural corridor is in partnership among Broward Cultural Division, Broward County Parks & Recreation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Broward Municipal Services District; Old Dillard Foundation, Sistrunk Historical Festival, The Trailblazers of Broward County and TOUCHBroward Healthy Community Zones Initiative.
