Essence has partnered with Walmart and Coca-Cola to present the Road to Essence multi-city tour. So far the festival has stopped in Atlanta, Chicago, and this past weekend Dallas. The festival offers a free, fun, family day, held in the parking lot of Super Walmart. So, think “mini-Essence Festival” with live music, celebrity appearances, cool conversations with local guest speakers and lots of free giveaways.
The event in Dallas was held at the Walmart on Wheatland Road and the lot was packed with fans coming out to see live performances by Sevyn Streeter, Tank, Avery Sunshine and The Walls Group. Fans also had an opportunity to get up close and personal with the celebrities at the meet and greet tent. Laz Alonso sat on a panel along with local panelists, Daryl Washington, Pastor Drew Castillo, Akin Ayodele and Shawn Henderson. Additionally, Cynthia Bailey presented a “dress for less” fashion show with great tips for those of us shopping on a budget. P&G hosted a “My Black is Beautiful” beauty and cosmetic tent where they were giving tips and makeovers to the festival goers. Walmart’s director of Multi-Cultural Marketing, Sharonda Britton was on hand making sure that everything was running smoothly.
The six-hour event was lively and the crowd was able to get a glimpse into what’s to come at this year’s 20th annual Essence Festival in New Orleans July 3-6. Many of the guests noted that they might not ever get to go to the actual festival in New Orleans but they were so grateful for an opportunity to experience the Road to Essence. Others who weren’t planning on going, are now inspired to attend.
There is still one stop left on the tour leading up to the Essence Festival and it’s in Laurel, Maryland, Saturday, May 17. So if you’re in the DMV area, be sure to check it out. You’re in for a treat and it’s great family fun.
For more information, go to www.essence.com/festival
Check out the photos in the gallery below, courtesy of Marco Smith, In Transit and DeNita Lacking-Quinn, Achieve PR
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