Festival of Heritage is set for August 18 | Arts & Culture

It’s one of the region’s most-anticipated festivals each year, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of the Mann-Simons family. Historic Columbia Foundation’s 34th annual Jubilee: Festival of Heritage will be held on August 18, 2012 at the Mann-Simons Site (1601 Richland Street) in Columbia, SC.  The festival is free and open to the public, running from 11 am – 5 pm. 

HCF is seeking food, marketplace and non-profit vendors to participate in this year’s Jubilee: Festival of Heritage.  Associations, churches, civic/service groups, health/medical organizations, charities and other businesses are all invited to participate. The cost to participate is $25 for non-profit vendors, $50 for marketplace vendors and $100 for food vendors.  One table and two chairs are provided at no charge.   Additional items (such as electricity, extra tables and extra space) are available for an additional charge ($15-$25).  Those interested in being a part of this year’s Festival are encouraged to download the vendor form on the Foundation’s website here.  Deadline for registration is August 4, 2012. 

This year’s Jubilee: Festival of Heritage takes place during the Foundation’s 50th anniversary year, and coincides with the debut of a brand-new “ghost structure” exhibit.  The exhibit will be free and open to the public, allowing visitors to visualize the structures that once stood alongside the family’s home. 

2012 Festival activities include: 

• Hands-on demonstrations from some of the region’s most skilled artists and craftsmen, 
• Live musical entertainment including R&B, jazz, blues and gospel, 
• Vendors with African-influenced and traditional merchandise,
• Crafts and activities for children,
• Tours of the Mann-Simons Site (adults $1/children free)
• Bus tours of African-American heritage sites (adults $2/children free), the Modjeska Simkins property, and
• Many other events throughout the day.