MURFREESBORO – The African-American Festival returns Saturday.

The 8th annual African-American Festival will be held at Hertford County Middle School in Murfreesboro on Saturday, November 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The King Enrichment program in collaboration with Hertford County Schools sponsors the event and admission is free.

Opening ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. with local elected officials and school administrators participating.

&uot;Following the opening ceremonies, students from Hertford County schools will provide entertainment, including the Scorpion Step team from Riverview Elementary and the Hertford County Middle School step team, band and chorus,&uot; festival coordinator Ann Riddick said.

&uot;Art from Hertford County students showing African-American inventions will be on display and a black history exhibit will give visitors a peek into the past with a combination of artifacts and photographs,&uot; Riddick said.

&uot;The festival features performances from everyone’s favorite clown Cartoon Carl and Carol Ward of Hampton, VA will wow the crowd with a special show of ballroom sculptors and games,&uot; Riddick said.

Students from Chowan College will be painting faces and performing a step show. Representatives from Chowan College and Roanoke-Chowan Community College will be on hand to provide information for prospective students. The Hertford County Public Library will be sharing information on library services and obtaining library cards.

&uot;Vendors from near and far selling purses, sculptures, jewelry, books, posters, ethnic fashions, African Dolls, and more will also attend the festival,&uot; Riddick said. &uot;There will be funnel cakes, hot dogs, candy apples and the famous home cooked soul food dinners in the cafeteria to eat in or take out.&uot;

The festival will also feature a special military exhibit honoring soldiers and their courageous efforts and service.

Local agencies attending the festival include SAFE, Hertford County Health Department, Hertford County Department Social Services, Murfreesboro Historical Association, Baby Love, Viquest, Diabetes Clinic, American Legion, and North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

John Gillian, Director of the Northeastern Division of the Red Cross, will be on hand for any individual that wants to make a financial donation for the Katrina victims and others.

If you want to be a part of the festival or share photographs of military family members past or present, contact Riddick at 398-8192.