The African American Cultural Alliance of Lancaster is putting the finishing touches on its annual community parade and fair, scheduled for Tuesday through Saturday.
Now in its 11th year, the fair is hosted at Reservoir Park at 701 E. King St. on Lancaster’s east side. There’s something for everyone, says Vincent Derek Smith, the alliance’s president.
If you go
- What: African American Cultural Fair & Parade
- When:
- Fair: Tue. through Sat., May 21-25. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 4 p.m. on Sat.
- Parade: 3 p.m. Saturday
- Where:
- Fair: Reservoir Park, 701 E. King St., Lancaster.
- Parade: Start: King Elementary School, 466 Rockland St. End: Reservoir Park.
- Cost: Admission and entertainment are free. Food and ride costs vary.
- For more information: www.aacal.org/fair
The largest event of its kind in central Pennsylvania, anchored by the only active annual parade in Lancaster, it offers family entertainment, celebrates culture and fosters community connections.
The gates will open at 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday. Attractions include a midway with carnival rides and food; live music and DJs; and booths featuring vendors and local community organizations. Admission is free and there will be free parking nearby.
Saturday’s festivities kick off with the African American Cultural Parade, with marching bands from around the region as well as churches, nonprofits and other organizations.
In line with this year’s theme, “Knowledge Is Power,” the alliance has selected five educators to serve as grand marshals:
- Michael Badriaki: Superintendent, Lancaster Mennonite School
- Andrea Berry: Superintendent, York City School District
- Robin Goodson: Board President, School District of Lancaster
- Camille Hopkins: Director of Schools, School District of Lancaster
- Daniel Wubah, President, Millersville University
More than two dozen parade teams have registered so far, including the McCaskey High School Red Tornado Band. For the Infamous Unstoppables Drill Team & Drum Squad, based at Bethel AME Church, the event will serve as its homecoming parade.
Teams will convene at King Elementary School, 466 Rockland St., beginning at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. The parade kicks off at 3 p.m., following a route through southeast Lancaster to finish at the fair site in Reservoir Park.
