Caribbean American Heritage Festival and Parade planned June 24 in Henrico

The Adopt Haiti Project will host the Caribbean American Heritage Festival and Parade from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, June 24 at Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Road in Varina. The festival, organized to commemorate Caribbean American Heritage month, aims to showcase the vibrant culture, food, art, dance, music and diversity of Caribbean nations.

The festival will offer a variety of attractions and activities for attendees of all ages, including arts and crafts, live performances, a children’s area, and giveaways. Haitian Konpa and other Caribbean music will highlight the heritage of the Caribbean community. A number of food trucks and vendors will be present, offering a wide selection of Caribbean flavors.

The festival will begin with a parade themed "Carnivale Spirit," led by Natural Vyb, a Caribbean American Carnival Band. Anyone interested in participating in the parade should visit naturalvyb.com.

The event encourages participants to represent their flags, making it a vibrant and colorful display. The festivities will also include a performance by The Image Band, a nationally touring and award-winning Caribbean band based in the Washington, D.C. area. Joining the band on stage will be LoKal, a Haitian band from the D.C. area that blends old and new konpa music with a touch of American soul music.

Local artists Friday Love and DJ Kezin will bring Caribbean and Haitian music to the festival.

Last year's festival attracted more than 10,000 attendees and helped provide school supplies and backpacks to G.H Reid Elementary and Thomas Boushall Middle schools in Richmond.

"We are looking forward to celebrating our heritage and the diversity of our Caribbean community,” said Adopt Haiti Project President Ruben Pierre-Louis. “We are looking forward to all the performances and socializing with all the attendees.”