‘It’s pretty cool, I feel welcome’: Eventgoers react to day 1 of the Colorado Springs Juneteenth festival

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - On Friday, the Colorado Springs Juneteenth festival kicked off in the parking lot of the Citadel Mall.

One man said he did not know about the event prior, but found out about the festival during his lunch break at work.

“My stomach was drawing me to all these food trucks that I was looking at, but other than that, it’s pretty cool. I feel welcome,” said Michael Salazar, a festival attendee.

Salazar also spoke about the event being at the Citadel Mall and what he thinks about the location.

“You put it in the center of the city, you’re gonna get some people to go there. Like me, I came here because I saw it. It’s right on my path to work...I think that’s the best way to put it in front of people’s faces,” Salazar said.

11 News also spoke with a food truck, Taste Bud Rescue, which operates out of an old ambulance. They said this is their third year being at the event and say they want to bring people together with their soul food.

Phil Exum with Taste Bud Rescue said, “I think it’s tie in with the community and representing culture, just being at peace with people...The concept ties in with the rescue part because this is an old ambulance, and the taste buds. That’s what we do. We save your taste buds.”

The 5th annual Juneteenth Festival will last through the weekend from June 20-22. Friday hours are from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday hours are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, click here.

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