COLUMBIA, S.C. (Sept. 2, 2015)— Celebrating the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of African Americans in Columbia, SC, the 37th annual Jubilee: Festival of Heritage takes place on the grounds of Historic Columbia’s Mann-Simons Site & Outdoor Museum at 1403 Richland Street on Saturday, September 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The family friendly event is free and open to the public.

For 37 years, families and friends have come from across the state to celebrate African American heritage and the legacies of the Mann-Simon’s family at Jubilee. When the festival started in 1978, it was a small community celebration of African American heritage and history. Over the years, Jubilee has grown into a can’t-miss event that draws attendees from all over the state and region.

Culminating over 15 years of research and investigation that has resulted in an enormous wealth of new information, artifacts and stories, the Mann-Simon Site and outdoor museum is being reinterpreted and renovated. Historic Columbia invites the public to learn the latest discoveries and participate in the redesign of the museum and choose how they want to learn these stories. Take a sneak peek walkthrough of Mann-Simons Site renovations and outdoor museum and be a part of the discussion!

This year’s festival features a variety of activities including live African drumming, R&B, jazz, and gospel musical entertainment, tours of the historic Modjeska Simkins House, an opportunity to see community histories presented by Columbia Housing Authority residents, hands-on demonstrations from some of the region’s most skilled artists and craftsmen, vendors with African-influenced and traditional merchandise, live musical entertainment and many other activities throughout the day.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT!

The Reggie Sullivan Band
DJ Prince Ice

Jubilee Choirs

Spiritual Expressions of Praise

GC Capital Steppers of Columbia

Katera

Studio C Zumba Dance Fitness

Larry “Lak” Henderson, The Hip Hop Educator

PANASA

Benedict College Concert Choir

DEMONSTRATION ARTISTS!

Kitty Wilson-Evans, storyteller

Tariq Mix, live visual artist

Arianne King-Comer, batik artist

Mary Graham-Grant, sweetgrass basket weaver

Jared Canty, Catawba bead artist

And more!

STREET FAIR!

An assortment of exhibitors, vendors and purveyors of tasty food and drink will be on hand for this vibrant fair! If you are interested in participating in this year’s Jubilee as a vendor, please download, complete and return the vendor application form by Friday, September 4.

Become a Friend of Jubilee! Individuals can support the Jubilee festival for as little as $50. Click here to make your donation today!

Jubilee: Festival of Heritage is sponsored by NBSC, Providence Hospitals, Publix Super Markets Charities, The Columbia Chapter of Links, Inc., State Farm Insurance, AARP South Carolina, McDonald’s of Columbia, Elam Financial, Johnson, Toal & Battiste, P. A., Palmer Memorial Chapel, South State Bank, The Big DM. Hot 103.9, Carolina Panorama, and Party Reflections. 

For more information on the 37th annual Jubilee: Festival of Heritage, please visit historiccolumbia.org or call 803.252.1770 ext. 23.

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About Historic Columbia Foundation:

In November 1961, a small group of individuals intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House from demolition officially incorporated as the Historic Columbia Foundation. Over the next five decades the organization, which was founded on the premise of preservation and education, would take on the stewardship of seven historic properties in Richland County. Today, the organization serves as a model for local preservation efforts and interpretation of local history. Visit historiccolumbia.orgor find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube for more details.