Zion Cathedral fest marks 25 years

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Smoke curled from the grill toward the sky as marinated ribs sizzled. Gregory Adams, owner of Adams Family Catering, flipped the meat while folks eagerly waited to dig in during the 25th annual International Festival and Health Fair in Freeport on Aug. 5.

The fesitival is held annually at Zion Cathedral off Grand Avenue, this was the first year that the festival was hosted without Bishop Frank Otha White, who served as the senior pastor and founder of the Cedarmore Corporation, an extension of Zion Cathedral, but died in January.

“We cannot have this event without thinking about the contributions and life of my father,” said White’s son Bishop Frank White. “He had a vision and dream that would tear down the barriers and confronted the social ills of our community. So as we celebrate today, we remember his life, the many sacrifices that he gave his investment in the people and the community.”

Despite gray skies threatening rain, vendors hustled to add last-minute details to their booths as the festival began. People were seen leisurely chatting and reconnecting with one another. The street was lined with games and bounce houses. Freeport families and visitors perused local artisan vendors, while on the stage there were performances by Western Music Ensembles and Indian Classical. The two groups comprised members of the Young Entrepreneurs in Training Program, which is run by the Cedarmore Corporation. Among the other performers were Mike Willis and The Called, Bettina Pennon and J Medley Musik.

“Today is a phenomenal event,” Victoria Moondesire, of Cedarmore Corporation, said. “Though we are providing entertainment, we are also servicing the body by having nursing professionals and medical staff to provide vital information in regards to health and wellness.”

The event also honors community members with awards. This year, Donnie McClurkin, a Grammy Award-winning gospel artist and pastor of the Perfecting the Faith Church in Freeport, was recognized for his community service with the Bishop Frank O. White Community Service Award.

“It feels great to be home,” McClurkin said. “I am honored [to receive this award] because this is the first time I’ve ever received an award in Freeport. I’ve received them from all around the world, but this is the first time I receive an award at home.”

The Winston A. Grant Humanitarian Award was presented to Heeling Soles, a nonprofit organization that provides shoes, clothing and support to families in need in Jamaica, Haiti, Mauritania, France and London. Stephan Pagano, an educator Freeport High School staff member in the 1970s and the director of the Long Island Council of the Arts’ Summer Teen Theater Program from 1975 to 1992, was awarded the Dr. Juliet White Excellence In Education Award.