AUBURN GRESHAM — Thousands of people visited the 11th annual Auburn Gresham 79th Street Renaissance Festival over the weekend.
Community members tried food and drink from local vendors and listened to music from performers like gospel artist Tamela Mann, who performed live.
The Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation organized the event, and its executive director, Carlos Nelson, called the festival a success and something much needed in the community.
"I have lived around here for so long," he said, "and I knew that our kids and our families didn’t have something they could walk to and enjoy that was close by."
Ald. David Moore (17th) said said he enjoyed seeing children having a great time.
"My favorite thing is watching these kids," he said. "When I see them, and they’re just having fun, eating in their community, laughing, playing games, that’s what it’s all about. And they're doing it in a safe and fun environment — that’s what does it for me."
Auburn Gresham resident Jimmy Prude discovered a local vendor who makes vegan lasagna.
RELATED: Whole Foods Selling Auburn Gresham Resident's Jimmy's Vegan Cookies
"It’s a great thing to see a lot of like-minded individuals, black folks from the area, come together and enjoy the businesses out here and just have a great time," Prude said.
Chicago's own DJ Farley "Jack Master Funk" closed out the night.
Nelson said at least 12,000 people attended this year and he plans to turn the one-day event into a multiday event.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
