What started out as the question, “Why is there tension between long time East Austin neighbors and newcomers?” was born the idea for the East Austin Community Festival. Now in its fourth year, event organizers see the necessity of neighbors coming together and building positive relationships. The festival is free and will be held on Saturday, November 4 from 12 noon – 6 p.m. at Space12, 3121 E. 12th Street, Austin, TX 78702. Please bring a nonperishable item as a donation to the Central Texas Food Bank. For more information
visit www.facebook.com/EastinAustinCommunityFestival/.

“I just want people to come together, communicate, connect and to have fun,” says Shametra McGregor, a native East Austinite who envisioned the event, after a dinner conversation with one of her neighbors. Since 2013, McGregor has invited her neighbors in the McKinley Heights, Clifford Sanchez, and Homewood Heights Neighborhood to meet and play together.

This year the festival offers an array of local artists, vendors and food trucks. Expect uplifting live performances from Dani, South Austin Community Church Worship and Arts Ministry, The Wooly Vicars, DJ Q, Savannah Red, Ccysta and Morgan Nicole.

“Our goal is to reach 500 to 1000 pounds of food, which will produce 600 plus meals,” adds McGregor. At the last year’s event the community came together and donated more than 220 pounds of food, that equaled 184 meals for a family or individual in need.

“Our goal is to reach 500 to 1000 pounds of food, which will produce 600 plus meals,” adds McGregor. At the last year’s event the community came together and donated more than 220 pounds of food, that equaled 184 meals for a family or individual in need.

The festival is sponsored by Presidium Group. Supporters include: McKinley Heights Neighborhood Association, Clifford Sanchez Neighborhood Association, Homewood Heights Neighborhood Association, Events by Paige VII, LLC and Adisa Communications.

“I know that I can’t change the entire world, but I can work to change what is going on in my neighborhood. I believe we can all co-exist in East Austin and learn from each other. The festival is about creating unity in East Austin.”

To reach the event organizers, please send an email to: howdyvendors@gmail.com

or  Contact: Shuronda Robinson, 512.297.9392

srobinson@makingthingsclear.com

Shared by Damita Miller-Shanklin