The smell of southern-style food, Cajun spices, fried fish, and the warmth of collard greens lingered in the breeze for two days at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds last weekend. Music from the DJ booth carried across the lot, blending with the roar of the cars at the drifting show, the chatter of families visiting the reptile expo, and even the cheers at the goat competition happening on the grounds.
Black to Business Events returned to Stockton for their third annual Seafood and Soul festival with vendors from the Central Valley, the Bay Area, and surrounding communities, along with family-friendly competition and live entertainment.
Families moved from booth to booth sampling gumbo burritos, fried fish, Oysters, Jamaican dishes, Collard Greens, and barbecue — an even blend of Southern traditions and Caribbean influence that holds a special place in African American Culture.
With an oyster shell in one hand and her daughter tugging at the other, Stockton resident Alexis Johnson stood between the roots of vendors alongside her husband, taking in the sights and sounds of the festival.
“It’s so nice to see all my people out here eating food, performing, and coming together with no issues for once. Today has honestly just felt like a big family reunion,” said Alexis Johnson, a Tracy resident. “Everyone is just talking to everybody, laughing, getting a little bit of extra fish on the plate, just really good energy,” Johnson said.
The festival was designed to be welcoming and affordable, with a five-dollar entry fee, free parking, and free admission for children under five. For two days, families filled the event, joining in raffles, sack races, and TikTok dances at the DJ booth.
“The energy has been amazing. The crowd has been pleasant, everybody has been warm, and it has been a joyous day,” said Jatari Lewis, CEO of Simply Taste Buds. “I really like seeing everybody out in general, enjoying themselves and having a good time,” Lewis said.
As the evening came to a close at 6 p.m., families left with plates, pastries, and refreshing drinks, carrying the flavor and spirit of the festival with them.
“The energy has been really good these last two days,” said Candis Smith, owner of Savage Royalty dance Company. “There’s a lot of good people coming together for some really good food, good music, good talk, and all-around good vibes.”