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RALEIGH — The inaugural African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County drew in thousands of participants for the first half of the two-day event on Saturday.

After two years of planning; food, vendors and thousands of people ready to celebrate. The Festival became Raleigh City officials perfect recipe on Saturday, for the celebration that is the 'African American Culture Festival'. It's a cultural festival centered around the arts, visual as well as performing.

"The festival was brought about to actually as a replacement for when the MEAC and the CIAA moved from Raleigh we wanted something where the African American community could be engaged and celebrate the heritage and the roots of the African American culture," said Marvin Connelly, Festival board member.

Festival attendees said that the celebration is important because it is a time to commemorate their culture.

"We need to remember our heritage and remember exactly where we cam from and what our ancestors brought forth," said Sybil Lattimore.

Saturday's events last throughout the night with an "old school dance party" at Lincoln Theater which last's until 2:00 a.m.. You can also enjoy a second day of events on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.