A display table at the Happily Natural Festival showcases work of the From the Core Art Studio.
Amber Abramson serves up food at the Sweets & Soirées tent Saturday during the 19th annual Happily Natural Day in Richmond at the 5th District Mini Farm.
Eight-year-old Mali Holmes shoots baskets during the 19th annual Happily Natural Day in Richmond at the 5th District minifarm, 2208 Bainbridge Street on Saturday, August 27, 2022.
A panel discusses Black maternal health during the Happily Natural Day event at the 5th District Mini Farm in Richmond.
On Saturday, people gathered in Richmond to peruse tents of more than 30 Black-owned businesses, attend workshops and discussion panels, and to dance. The occasion was the 19th annual Happily Natural Day and marked the festival’s return to in-person gathering after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participating vendors at the 5th District Mini Farm included merchants selling artwork, jewelry and clothing along with natural beauty products and locally grown foods.
Some participating vendors in the event on Bainbridge Street are new small businesses within their first year or two of existence.
For Northside Grow, Linda Thompson-Morton and her husband, Ryan Morton, have cultivated fresh produce with a mission to “bring healthy food options into Black and brown communities.”
“We think about the food deserts,” said Thompson-Morton, noting neighborhoods around Richmond with less ease of access to grocery stores.
She and her husband launched their business in 2020, growing produce naturally on their property “without pesticides or chemicals.” They also harvest eggs from their chickens.
Colorful paintings, notebooks and coffee mugs adorned the table of another vendor tent — From the Core Art Studio.
“You name it, I make it,” said artist Lizzie Brown.
After seven years of working as an art educator in public and private school sectors, Brown decided to launch her studio in 2021.
Brown’s artwork often features people of color and words of affirmation.
“I like to portray us in a beautiful light of positivity, resilience and joy,” she said.
Celebrating Black people and culture inspired the festival’s founder, Duron Chavis, to create the Happily Natural Day festival in 2003.
More than providing a space for vendors, the festivals feature guest speaker panels and workshops. Themes have included urban agriculture, holistic health and wellness along with addressing social determinants of health. One topics this year was Black maternal health. The festival featured guest speakers and a martial arts demonstration.
Chavis, who said the festival has “grown up with him,” added that he has been an activist for years.
“It’s really been like an incubator for, you know, radical Black thought, and action and communities across the country,” Chavis said as he described similar festivals and gatherings across several states.
“I feel like it’s great for us to be able to hold space in Richmond, Va., and to have that type of convergence.”
Starts Friday
The Chesterfield County Fair returns with pig races, midway rides, funnel cakes and live entertainment. This year, look for a cowboy circus, axe-throwing, a comedy hypnotist, an alligator show, horse show and more. Chesterfield County Fair Grounds, 10300 Courthouse Road. $5-$10 entry; free for children 3 and younger; rides extra. Times vary through Sept. 3. ChesterfieldCountyFair.org
Thursday
The Poe Museum goes punk for August’s Unhappy Hour with music from Shawnis & the Shimmers. 6-8 p.m. 1914-16 E. Main St. $10. (804) 648-5523 or www.poemuseum.org
Saturday
Head to Brown’s Island for all-you-can-eat crabs with local and national craft beers while enjoying music from Butcher Brown and the Legacy Band. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. Noon-9 p.m. $20. http://www.crabsandbeerbythejames.com/
Saturday
Head to the Center of the Universe Brewing for a day of barbecue and music. Four local barbecue vendors will battle it out for the best pork, chicken, and beef dish, to win the “Grand Champion” spot. They will also be selling barbecue. With music from Famous People and Scattered Smothered and Covered. 1-7 p.m. Free entry; pay as you go. 11293 Air Park Road, Ashland. (804) 368-0299 or cotubrewing.com
Saturday
With music, workshops, speakers and food vendors, the festival founded by food justice advocate Duron Chavis honors Black culture, health, wellness and urban farming. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 5th District Mini Farm, Manchester, 2208 Bainbridge St. Free entry. https://thenaturalfestival.com
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A display table at the Happily Natural Festival showcases work of the From the Core Art Studio.
Amber Abramson serves up food at the Sweets & Soirées tent Saturday during the 19th annual Happily Natural Day in Richmond at the 5th District Mini Farm.
Eight-year-old Mali Holmes shoots baskets during the 19th annual Happily Natural Day in Richmond at the 5th District minifarm, 2208 Bainbridge Street on Saturday, August 27, 2022.
A panel discusses Black maternal health during the Happily Natural Day event at the 5th District Mini Farm in Richmond.
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