About 10,000 people came out Saturday for the Denver Black Arts Festival at City Park, one day after what one organizer called “a monsoon,” which damaged tents and drove away attendees.
Thunder, lightning, high winds and buckets of rain wreaked havoc for vendors, musicians and visitors Friday and left organizers working through the night to clear debris and repair damage.
“These people came here today and completely rallied,” said Sheryl Renee, entertainment manager for the three-day festival. “They brought new tents. It’s been good. Skies are gray, but it’s been good.”
Renee, who has performed over the years at the festival, which features art, clothing, music and a variety of vendors selling their wares, said the thunderstorms caused damage to 50 percent of the 86 vendor tents that were set up and ruined sound equipment and art. “It was really outrageous,” Renee said.
The festival continues today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Annette Espinoza, The Denver Post
