FRANKLIN
The Franklin Department of Parks & Recreation sponsored its annual Franklin African-American festival on Sept. 22 at Barrett’s Landing Park. Linda Russell, the mistress of ceremonies, opened the activity by introducing a musical quest, Ashley Felder of Norfolk.

The day flowed very well with the weather and diverse presentations of entertaining groups from Franklin and various other places.

The Sunshine Ladies & King of the Oak Street senior citizens did their stepping as they modeled clothes and performed an African ceremonial greeting to the ancestors. They were accompanied by members of the Franklin summer Super Jam program.

Next performing for the activity was the Little Flower Angels praise dance team of New Hope Baptist Church. Following that, Thomas Council III sung a selection of his favorite songs. Continuing in the lineup were performance groups of Celebration Church with the Glow Youth Praise Dancers and the Celebration Praise Team Choir.

First Baptist Church was present for the activity this year and presented the Pearls of Praise and the Jewels of Judah youth praise dance teams.

Adding some special favor to the day, the group Atumpan stepped up next with African drumming and storytelling.

The group members completely changed their attire as they performed a skit while the group’s storyteller carried the audience to the motherland.

Closing out the day was the headliner group, The People’s Choice Band of Hampton. The group turned out the day as they performed R&B, oldies but goodies songs of the past.

In all, it was a very successful and entertaining day, complete with food vendors, merchandise vendors, good fellowship and entertainment that was off the scale.