Cooper-Young will be celebrating its 27th annual Cooper-Young festival on Sept. 13, presenting several booths that will shine light on local live music, art, jewelry, food, drinks and more.
The Cooper-Young Festival is Memphis’ largest one-day festival and one of the reasons the neighborhood was voted as one of the top 10 greatest neighborhoods in the Unites States by the American Planning Association in October of 2012.
Tamara Cook has been the Executive Director of the Cooper-Young Business Association since 1999 and said she enjoys being able to shape and grow the neighborhood.
“Get there early and stay late,” Cook said. “It is a refreshing diverse environment, a family experience where everyone is welcome. We are expecting at least 130,000 people this year.
Due to the size of festival, Cook said she begins planning the following year’s festival the very next day after it ends.
Fifteen local bands will be performing original music and 435 local art booths selling everything from chairs, jewelry, swings, paintings, wood works, photography and much more.
Dania Helou, a 23-year-old alumni of the University of Memphis, said she enjoys many different aspects of the festival.
“My favorite thing to do at the Cooper-Young Festival is to go people watch, meet local artists and see their different styles of art and how they create their art,” Helou said. “I get to check out live music and find unique jewelry that has meaning to it.”
The festival’s success can be partially attributed to the employees that work at food and beverage stands that keep the large crowd hydrated and fed throughout the day.
Huda Alaeddin, a 27-year-old alumni of the University of Memphis, is a medical assistant and is working on her master’s degree. For the last three years, she has been a beverage booth worker at the festival. She explained why she enjoyed working at the festival.
“It is a fun and energetic environment, fun upbeat crowd, and quick way to make extra cash,” Alaeddin said.
Alaeddin also said she is looking forward to the expected nice weather, local booths and food trucks.
“I love the organic food truck, and all the local booths have great crafts and one of a kind products,” Alaeddin said. “It is also a great way to introduce the small local mom and pop shops and small business in the area, plus it is fun to walk around and meet new people because everyone is friendly and having a great time.”
The festival begins at 9 a.m. and goes on until 7 p.m.Those looking for more information on the festival can visit the Cooper-Young community page on Facebook or visit the website at http://www.cooperyoungfestival.com/.
