News from New York State Office of General Services

For more information contact: Brad Maione, 518.474.5987 or 518.269.7508

Vendor Deadline for African American Family Day Approaches

ALBANY, NY (07/16/2008; 1219)(readMedia)-- New York Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner John C. Egan today announced that the registration deadline for craft, merchandise and food vendors for the 2008 African American Family Day is Monday, July 21. This year's event will be held on August 2 from noon - 7 p.m., at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. More than 15,000 people are expected to attend this event.

This theme for this year's event is "Celebrating the African Diaspora." The four "villages" at the festival site will tell the story of how Africans, though scattered across the globe, manage to retain their cultural traditions.

There will be four stages of live entertainment. Featured musical guests at the National Stage will be Black Violin and headliners The Temptations Revue Featuring Dennis Edwards. Also on tap is what is promised to be a record-setting Electric Slide dance line. This will be a fun-filled family day of activities for people of all ages.

Family Day +is dedicated to promoting Five Community Principles - Family, Love, Peace, Respect and Unity. This special is a celebration of African American culture and its rich traditions through music, art, ethnic food and most importantly - family.

Vendors from around the state will be provided space at a minimal cost to sell food, crafts or merchandise. A complete vendor packet is available on the OGS website at www.empirestateplaza.org by clicking on Vendor Information. For more information call Kurt Vincent at the OGS Special Events office at (518) 474-5986.

Activities for African-American Family Day Include:

• The National Stage - Hosted by JAMZ: The Temptations with Dennis Edwards, Black Violin, Mystic Jammers and the Capital District Community Mass Choir
• Gospel Stage will feature area choirs and local gospel artists
• Community Stage - Hosted by Frank Chapman Memorial Institute, Inc.
• Teen Stage - Hosted by JAMZ featuring Rahzel, Beatboxer of the Hip-Hop Group the Roots; Lyrical, L. E. O. D'Juan, Black Pearl Productions, Maine Events Management & Promotions, Qua-star and J-twizz, Kloq Works

New York State Museum Activities:

• Replica of the Emancipation Proclamation Exhibit
• African Dance Instruction - Two sessions available at the New York State Museum
• Latin American and Caribbean Art: Selected Highlights from the Collection of The Museum of Modern Art Exhibit and the exhibit Black Capital: Harlem in the 20s

Other Highlights Include:

• The Largest Electric Slide
• Celebrating the "African Diaspora" through interactive historic Village Presentations
• Vendors - Arts & Crafts, Ethnic Foods, Community Information Booths
• Kids Zone - clowns, face painters, murals, rides, arts and crafts and a story teller
• Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) Showcase
• Child Passenger Safety Seat Information (Giveaways & Invitation for Free Inspection & Seating)
• Operation Safe Child Program - Presented by the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services
• Dance Party with the band Solid Smoke (Hosted by JAMZ)
• Wellness Fair & Health Screenings - Presented by Whitney M. Young, Jr. Community Health Center
• Moment of Fame "Bring It"....To the Plaza in Song or Dance
• Soultry Poetry Slam: Open mic poetry session
• Special Guest Emcees/ Community Moments
• Radio Disney & Verizon Zone
• Flight Simulator
• Scotia-Glenville Children's Traveling Museum
• Fire Safety House
• Ronald McDonald House Mobile Unit

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