SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It was the official opening of The 37th Annual Stone Soul Festival in Springfield's Blunt Park.

Dozens came out for food, music, and show cultural appreciation for what has become New England''s largest African American Festival. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and State Rep. Bud Williams made special appearances to help celebrate the festival's return.

22News spoke to one vendor, who's been selling pineapple lemonade at the festival for a couple years now. She says she's thrilled to be back. "The sense of community, seeing family members, friends that you haven't seen in years, you get to come out, you get to see everybody.You just have a really good time," said Kimerbly Peeples of Brace Yourself Pineapple Lemonade.

The Stone Soul Festival continues through the weeke

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