Several vendors opt out of Essence Fest

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Essence Festival organizers acknowledge that not only are ticket sales down this year, but some vendors are opting out.

Barkue Tubman-Zawolo, chief community officer for Essence said, “I think there is a lot happening in our world in general that’s impacting people deciding to go places or not.”

Essence maintains it supports 300 local businesses and the fest generates a multimillion-dollar economic impact.

“We just want to make sure that, in spite of all that we’re navigating, people come and have an amazing time,” Tubman-Zawolo said. “I think it’s just interesting times for all of us right now.”

Essence Fest visitors began checking in Wednesday.

Charles Cowan arrived with family and friends. He said that aside from festivities and music, he’s ready to shop.

“Purchasing things from local vendors and those from outside of New Orleans,” Cowan said.

His friend Gary Scott said he loves the laissez-faire vibe of the city, but that’s not what draws him back.

“I come for the food,” Scott said. “The food down here is fantastic. I’ve never had such quality food in my entire life.”

Since releasing the full lineup of events and performers, Essence organizers said they are seeing strong engagement.

Cowan, an Essence veteran, offers this advice for first timers:

“It’s going to be a lot of people,” he said. “It’s going to be crowded. Be patient, understanding and courteous.”

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Click Here to report it. Please include the headline.

Subscribe to the Fox 8 YouTube channel.