Key West and Caribbean soul food, reggae and gospel music, and African art are to be among the highlights of Key West�s fifth annual BET/Comcast African-American Heritage Festival set for Friday, June 18, through Saturday, June 26.

Celebrating the island city�s African-American culture, the festival is designed to bring people together and promote multicultural understanding. Most events take place in Bahama Village, the center of Key West�s African-Bahamian community. The family-friendly festival is supported by local, regional and national businesses including Black Entertainment Television, or BET, and Comcast.

Events are to include a lighthearted Petronia Street Chicken Fest Party, set for Friday, June 18, on Bahama Village�s main commercial thoroughfare. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, island-style favorites from food vendors, and arts and crafts.

The next day brings the celebration of Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating African-American freedom while emphasizing education and achievement. A community picnic, youth talent contest, health seminar and more are scheduled to take place at Nelson English Park (at the intersection of Catherine and Fort streets).

Thursday, June 24, the action moves to the Sands, 1420 Simonton St. on the Atlantic Ocean. For adults only, the beach bash includes liberal libations and laidback fun starting at 7 p.m.,� with an after-party at the Coral City Elks Lodge, 1107 Whitehead St.

The festival jumps into high gear Friday, June 25, with a Caribbean-style street fair scheduled to run until midnight on Whitehead Street near the Elks Lodge. Entertainment attractions are to include DJ music from noon to 5 p.m., followed by a parade and talent display by students from the Bahama Village Music Program.

Subsequently, a ceremony is to feature dignitaries including Monroe County Mayor Dixie Spehar, Key West Mayor Jimmy Weekley, Key West City Commissioner Carmen Turner, Commander Peter Fyles and the Key West Naval Air Facility Honor Guard.

Festival entertainment is to be provided by local and regional musicians including Fort Lauderdale�s N�Trigue Band. Among the other scheduled performers are the Robert Albury Band, Cliff Sawyer, Coffee Butler and the Big Daddy Blues Band.

Vendors are to provide creative and artistic offerings as well as mouthwatering taste treats to satisfy attendees� aesthetic and culinary cravings.

Saturday�s events are to begin at noon with a Children�s Hour and open-mike opportunities for local children to demonstrate their vocal, instrumental and dance talents. Local adult amateur performers are to follow, showcasing their skills until 5 p.m. Nonstop musical entertainment by local and visiting bands is to follow until 11 p.m.

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Media Contact: Josie Gulliksen +1 305-461-3300 josie@newmanpr.com