Odunde Festival returns to Philadelphia on Sunday
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The skies are clearing just in time for the largest Black and African American street festival in the country. Philadelphians are breathing in fresher air headed into the weekend.
The lingering smoke moving its way out of the city and people are taking full advantage of it.
"We have been stuck inside for three days and it's so nice to be out and enjoying it," Katina Palmer said.
The Palmers just arrived back from their honeymoon in Italy and were taking in the sunshine and fresh air and say on Sunday they are headed to the Odunde Festival on 23rd and South Streets.
"Love smelling the food, seeing the people, the happiness the smiles," Matt Palmer said.
About 500,000 people attend the event each year. Organizers say the festival has an economic impact of $28 million to the city.
The festival hosts many internationally known African and Caribbean performers, dignitaries, folk artists, and cultural leaders.
"It covers 15 city blocks has two statues of live entertainment and over 159 arts and crafts and food vendors," CEO Oshunbumi Fernandez-West said.
"It makes us a more inclusive, brighter and more fun city," Mayor Jim Kenney said. "God's shining upon us winds are moving in the right direction, and we will hopefully have sun and it won't be too hot. It would be a great day to go down to South Street and enjoy it."
While the smoke blanketed the region for the past couple of days, the festival this weekend is free to go and open to anyone.