Asheville Blog Your Source for all things Asheville
YMI CULTURAL CENTER’S GOOMBAY FESTIVAL RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE FOR ITS 36TH YEAR ON SEPTEMBER 9-11, 2016
Western North Carolina’s YMI Cultural Center is proud to announce the return of the 36th Goombay Festival on September 9-11, 2016, at downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park. This year’s event will be pay homage to Goombay Festival’s history in Asheville, NC.
Goombay Festival will feature an eclectic lineup of national, regional, and local music acts and a special gospel-inspired Sunday lineup including a number of local and surrounding gospel choirs. Along with the music, Goombay Festival highlights a diverse assortment of craft and food vendors. There will be opportunities to hear from community elders and leaders to learn about the history of Goombay Festival in Western North Carolina. The festival will also feature an expanded kids area complete with workshops hosted by LEAF in School and Streets and featured community partners. There will be dance performances by local dance troupes and performing groups.
About Asheville Goombay
The City of Asheville ranks Goombay Festival as one of four local anchor events where families, businesses, and communities from across the Western North Carolina region gather. Goombay Festival was created to celebrate the richness and diversity of the African Diaspora and Asheville’s African American community. The festival attracts over 10,000 people throughout the weekend, and garners national media coverage. Goombay Festival lives up to its West African name meaning of “rhythm or drum” with eclectic sounds, vibrant, multicolored sights and the tantalizing aroma of exotic foods reflecting a multiplicity of cultures and traditions. For more information about Goombay Festival’s history or event, visit the website at AshevilleGoombayFestival.com.
About The YMI Cultural Center (YMI)
The YMI opened its doors in 1893 as the Young Men’s Institute. The institute was erected as a location for black men to improve their moral fiber through self governance. The YMI prides itself in reflecting on its rich history. For more information about The YMI Cultural Center, please visit: YMIculturalcenter.org.
To learn more about Asheville’s Goombay Festival 2016, please visit AshevilleGoombayFestival.com.
