Cool drinks, sounds, crafts welcome visitors on a hot Saturday to Durham's Bimbé festival

In it's 52nd year, the Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival is in a new Durham location.

More than 50 vendors will take over a newly renovated Rock Quarry Park, at 701 Stadium Drive, from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday.

It kicks off with a ribbon-cutting for the park.

"It will kind of gear up the festival, add some additional excitement to the day," said Mary Unterreiner, culture & community manager at Durham Parks & Recreation.

"It will have a Salute to the Elders parade and an African American dance ensemble as well."

The day will be filled with live music, arts and crafts, ethnic food, local talent and a family fun zone.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket, but leave the coolers, alcohol and pets at home.

On the main stage at Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival

1 p.m. Welcome, Grand Re-Opening Celebration and Ribbon Cutting for Rock Quarry Park

Salute to Elders Parade and Dance Presentation - African American Dance Ensemble

1:45 p.m. Kiing Le & Iconic Truth Band

2:45 p.m. Bimbé History Lesson

3 p.m. Niito

4 p.m. Hometown Heroes Presentation

Theta Phi Delta Step Team

4:30 p.m. The Mint Condition Tribute Show Band

5:30 p.m. DJ Medley

6 p.m. Headliners - Sunshine Anderson and Mario

Free parking is be available in the Durham County Stadium parking lots, located at 750 Stadium Drive across from Rock Quarry Park.

Have a hot time, but stay cool

With record heat in the forecast, organizers are focused on offering many ways for revelers to keep cool.

"Durham H20 To Go hydration station will be there to offer fresh drinking water throughout the day," Unterreiner said. "We'll also have some misting stations."

Vendor Reginald Burnette is ready to spread the cool. At the Tropical Delights booth, he will serve up frozen smoothies and is looking forward to seeing the crowds.

"We came too last year," he said. "It was a drive-in, whatever, not as many people. But now for the whole community to come out, I'm looking for a great turn out!"

For Lou Torres, who owns CocoCrissi Italian Ice, and travels up and down the east coast from festival to festival, it's a chance to sleep in his own bed and reconnect.

"I'm excited to be home," he said. "It's a homecoming for me where I can serve and visit and see old friends and serve them."

The festival is presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina in partnership with Durham Parks and Recreation and sponsored in part by WRAL.