The annual Africa Fest, held by the African Association of Madison (AAM), will return for a day-long celebration at McPike Park on Saturday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. The festival aims to celebrate heritage and educate attendees on African countries through samplings of each respective culture with food, music, dancing, games, vendors and more.
“We want to portray the importance of our culture. We want the Madison community and beyond to be very familiar with African culture, that way we can all get along,” said Ray Kumapayi, president of AAM.
The effort was founded to increase race relations and educate Wisconsinites on African heritage. Africa Fest marks the largest yearly effort from the AAM. Kumapayi says it’s a way to bring new perspectives into lives, and with Africa Fest, it’s “the biggest thing we, as the African Association can do.”
(Photo by David Dahmer)
The festival will kick off with its annual Strides for Africa Run. The run serves to raise funds to build infrastructure like water wells and solar panels for schools.
Options for the run include a 5k run, 5k walk, 1.5-mile fun walk, a quarter-mile kids fun run and team relays that try to show the rigors of gathering water in rural Africa. Registration for Strides for Africa is currently open. Registration fees range from $15 for kids and $30-35 for the run, walks and team relay.
After the run, Africa Fest will kick off with the Parade of Nations. The event features all 53 African nations represented through a march around McPike Park. While not everyone who will hold a flag will necessarily be from the represented nation, due to the lack of population in Madison, all will be highlighted. Its goal is to make every African nation seen and celebrated, Kumapayi said.
After the Parade of Nations, Africa Fest will fully start at the park with family-friendly fun.
Tents with games for kids to learn will be set up along with food and vendors. Stage performances will take place throughout the day to showcase music and dances from countries represented.
Africa Fest will be held Saturday, Aug. 17, 10-10 p.m. at McPike Park, 202 S. Ingersoll St. Africa Fest is free for all to attend.
