Stone Soul Festival celebrates with parade Saturday

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield’s annual Stone Soul Festival is New England’s largest African American festival, and Saturday began with a celebratory, vibrant parade.

This parade of local businesses, local politicians, and local businesses started at State Street and ended at Blunt Park for a day of festivities celebrating African American culture.

Marchers gathered at Rebecca M. Johnson Elementary School to step off at 11 a.m. and included the Hampden County Sheriff’s department, members of the Richard Allen Lodge #30, Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools Sonia Dinnall, the NAACP, African American fraternities, and more.

State Representative Bud Williams told 22News the importance of this day for the African American community.

“It just marks the legacy of Springfield,” Williams said. “It keeps us going and we’re so happy that we have a beautiful day today. It’s just a culmination of our history. You know, you tie Juneteenth in with that, and you’ve got a beautiful celebration.”

This year marks the 35th Stone Soul Festival, and there will be music, food, local artists displaying their work, and activities to enjoy at Blunt Park through Sunday.

This year’s parade Grand Marshal, Justin A. Petty, encouraged all to join in this celebration of history, culture, and unity.

“I hope the community come out and have a wonderful time,” Petty said. “And we hope that they enjoy themselves, and everyone stays safe and take care.”

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