JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Families who want to take a trip around the world don’t have to go farther than downtown Jacksonville this weekend.
For the first time in 28 years, the World of Nations celebration moved from Metropolitan Park and kicked off on East Bay Street.
City officials say because of construction near Metropolitan Park, they had to relocate to East Bay Street.
At the “World of Nations" event, you can get a look at the many different types of cultures that exist in Jacksonville, but vendors and families say they were disappointed because the space isn’t big enough.
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“I had to pay for parking and pay to get in. Now there is nothing to do,” said neighbor John Ayala.
“The vendors that he uses is not here today for a lack of space only,” vendor Ryan Sinclair added.
“Yeah, I’m very disappointed,” said Jeannie Hazlip.
The city’s two-day festival lets visitors experience the sights, sounds and tastes of 31 cultures, representing nations from around the world. Vendors Vanessa Davis and Sinclair have been in the business since it started. They represent “African Village International."
“There has been some serious changes that went on. Change is supposed to be good, and that’s my only statement on that one,” said Sinclair.
A city spokesperson told Action News Jax every continent except Australia and Antarctica were represented today. “
“There have been some serious changes that went on, change is supposed to be good and that’s my only statement on that one,” Hear the city's response tonight on @ActionNewsJax at 6/10/11. pic.twitter.com/ZEaYMQOcwG
— Jamarlo Phillips (@JamarloANjax) February 29, 2020
As of right now, no plans to have it again here next year, but there is nothing set in stone,” said Jacksonville Sports & Entertainment spokesperson Paola Lorenzo.
Ayala says this may be his family’s last time coming after attending for over a decade. He says there wasn’t enough entertainment.
“We got here 20 minutes ago, and I’ve already gone through the whole thing,” Ayala said.
And he isn’t alone. “A lot of the vendors are not here this year. I come out for the shea butter… It’s just very small,” Hazlip said.
“When it gets this way, we will figure out something else to do,” Sinclair said.
The World of Nations event runs Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $5.
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