International African Arts Festival — Local services in New York

I have been going to this event for years before it relocated from the Boys & Girls HS field ( when it was called the African street festival). Unfortunately the event has changed for the worst instead of the better. First off the event entrance fee has always been a voluntary donation. However when I attended with my niece yesterday the woman at the gate went off on her when she said that she had no change. This unidentified woman who was holding a fist full of cash told my niece that she need to support her own and compared the festival donation to the fee you would pay to enter Disney world. LOL. Clearly this grassless park in the middle of Brooklyn in no way can be compared to going to Disney world. Also, the donation has always been VOLUNTARY and covers nothing within the park. Once you enter the park you have to pay for all the services you receive. So it's pretty ignorant to compare this event in anyway to something like Disney world LOL! Secondly, all company's requesting donations are required to disclose how the donated money will be used. The money at the gate is being stuffed into an unmarked barrel and the website nor any of the signage in the park discloses this information. Also, some NOT ALL of the companies with in the festival can be just as rude. For example, I attempted asking a question about the food being served at a vendor called King Halal and just received a blank stare and attitude in response. Against my judgement I stayed in line and ordered a $17.00 meal that was the worst food I have tasted in a longtime! The collard greens needed to be washed because every bite was watery and grainy. The fish smelled and the macaroni was full of some cheese that was not cheddar. This is why events like this don't make it and can't maintain the communities support! Later on my niece and I went to a Thai restaurant and received courteous service and deliciously prepared food. We had planned to go to the festival for more than one day but after that I couldn't and wouldn't support the event again...

It a shell of its former self. I remembered the original festival was located by Boys and Girls High School and it was a great experience. Now it has grown in popularity which is a good thing but the way it was handled had me questioning the festival altogether. The donation has raised over the years with no explanation given and also the performances were watered down. Also there was a lack of younger performers and it seemed to be geared to the older crowd. Nothing wrong with that but a little diversity is helpful. Also, some of the sellers in the festival were rude and aggressive at times and that turned me off completely. I want to support the festival but the way it's going,...

Year after year, The International African Arts Festival is full of exciting imagery of Africa and the diaspora, amazing entertainment, children friendly activities and a sense of cultural unity. Yes, the donation has risen over the almost 50 years that the festival has been in existence but at the current asking price of $5 for adults and $2 for child it is still a good deal and certainly money well-spent. I will continue to support this festival and am...