The first Haitian Flag Day Festival in Manatee County to offer food, music, celebration
Manatee County’s vibrant and growing Haitian community is throwing a party, and you’re invited to attend.
The county’s first Haitian Flag Day Festival is set for 1-5 p.m. Saturday at Sutton Park, 1036 6th St. W., Palmetto.
Manatee County commissioners on Tuesday commemorated the event with a resolution that they presented to a jubilant delegation of Haitian residents.
“What a great day for the Haitian community. I am very happy to be here, and I am just about dancing,” said Marc Alexis, CEO and founder of the Haitian Connection of Manasota.
Commissioner James Satcher, who has visited Haiti several times on mission trips, responded in kind.
“It’s absolutely wonderful to have you here. I am with you, about to dance, too. To have some of that spirit in Manatee County pleases me,” Satcher said.
“There are so many hard-working, honest, do-anything-for-you people all across the island. It doesn’t mean there can’t be a brighter tomorrow. We need to continue to pray for Haiti,” he said.
Live music, food vendors, a focus on Haitian culture, and a children’s play area are planned, along with a vehicle parade at noon. Admission will be free.
Haitian Flag Day celebrates the Haitian a rebellion in 1803 when Haitian slaves overthrew their French masters and created their own flag.
Commissioner Misty Servia said Haitian-Americans contribute to making Manatee County a rich, multi-cultural community.
“I hope that you make this an annual event,” Servia said.
Commissioner Carol Whitmore called the Haitian Flag Day Festival long overdue, and encouraged members of the Haitian community to stay involved.
“I am very excited that we will have our first Flag Day fest,” Alexis said. “We have been getting calls from Orlando and Tampa.”
The Haitian Connection of Manasota seeks to be a catalyst for positive change within Manatee and Sarasota counties.
“Since our beginnings, we’ve been driven by the same ideas of our nonprofit organization such as empowerment and progress. Learn more about our missions, our visions, and how you can help make changes by being a part of HCOM,” the organization’s website says.
Alexis estimated Manatee County’s growing Haitian population at about 10,000.
For more information about the Haitian Connection, visit https://www.manasotahaitianconnection.org/.
