23

SATURDAY

Started 15 years ago to promote small-business growth on D.C.’s longest corridor, the annual “Georgia Avenue Day Parade & Festival” has long been a well-attended event that has never quite reached its original goal. This year’s celebration isn’t likely to banish concerns about Ibex-associated violence, the shuttering of Face’s, and trash-filled, rundown portions of the avenue. However, with the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Show, Howard Showtime Marching Band, and other buffalo soldiers as parade participants, along with live R&B, gospel, rap, and even go-go shows at two locations, this festival could once again demonstrate the historic esplanade’s potential. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. at Georgia & Eastern Aves. NW and continues to Barry Pl. NW. Festival activities are from 10 a.m.-6p.m. at Emery Park, Georgia Ave. & Madison St. NW and at Banneker Park Recreation Center, 9th & Barry Pl. NW. FREE. (202) 667-2667. (SK)