TIFTON — African American cultural, art, and heritage festival Arts in Black will be making its return to Tifton this weekend.

The annual festival, holding the record of Tifton’s oldest such event at nearly 40 years and counting, is set to entertain the local community once more the weekend of May 2 with plenty of music, food, and fun.

Festivities will kick off Friday evening with an opening celebration at Fulwood Park starting at 6 p.m., featuring musical performances by DJs G-Man and T-Roy throughout the night and refreshments from local vendors Savor the Flavor and M & A Carters Catering. While there is a slight concern of rain, organizers have reported that in that event, the celebration will be moved to the Mott-Litman Gym.

The festival will pick up the following afternoon with a variety of performers, local vendors of varying crafts, and entertainment to be had around the park. The day’s events will start with a poetry contest, inviting the youth of the Tiftarea to read out their best poems for a chance at a prize. Contestants will be grouped into four categories based on age range, and the winners of each category will be awarded prizes.

Performers will include positive rapper Mardy Mar, the Mood Doctors, and Harold E. Thomas & Danger Zone.

Organizers have expressed their excitement in being able to bring the festival back to the community for another year, and encourage local residents to come out and have a great time at the event.

For more information on Arts in Black, visit their website at tiftonartsinblack.com or call (229)-326-0241.