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\nMillicent Daniels, Lil Duval and Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman<\/p>\n
\nMillicent Daniels, Lil Duval and Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman<\/p>\n
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 Thousands of people gathered Saturday at Clanzel T. Brown Park for the 11th Annual Duval Day, celebrating Jacksonville\u2019s culture, local businesses and community pride in an event that concluded without incident, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n Organizers estimated attendance at approximately 3,000 for the daylong festival hosted by Jacksonville native, comedian and recording artist Lil Duval. The celebration featured live music, local entertainment, food vendors, small businesses and family activities, while highlighting the city\u2019s unique identity and encouraging residents to support local entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n The peaceful atmosphere recalled Come Together Day, the popular community celebration launched by Jacksonville radio station WPDQ in the 1970s. That event brought thousands of residents together each summer for music, fellowship and fun, becoming a symbol of unity during a period of significant social change. More than four decades later, Duval Day has emerged as a modern-day successor, once again drawing residents from across the city for a celebration centered on peace, culture and hometown pride.<\/p>\n What began as a neighborhood block party has grown into one of Jacksonville\u2019s signature cultural festivals. The event relocated to Clanzel T. Brown Park last year after outgrowing its longtime home on Myrtle Avenue, providing additional space for vendors, entertainment and attendees.<\/p>\n Lil Duval, whose 2018 hit \u201cSmile (Living My Best Life)\u201d featuring Snoop Dogg became a national anthem of positivity, said the event was created to showcase Jacksonville while creating economic opportunities for local businesses.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about seeing the economic power in our own community,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have our own businesses and our own talent. This gives people an opportunity to make money while keeping those dollars circulating here at home.\u201d<\/p>\n More than food and entertainment, the festival served as an economic boost for dozens of vendors selling everything from barbecue and seafood to specialty drinks and desserts.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re excited to be here, be a part of the community and give something back,\u201d said Toneet Nickerson of Yes Yes Soul Fusion Food Truck.<\/p>\n Thomas Brown of Sparkk House Cafe, who helped prepare food during the event\u2019s early years, said Duval Day has become an annual reunion for Jacksonville families.<\/p>\n \u201cWe promote peace, and it\u2019s just good to see people from every side of town and from out of town come here to show love to Duval,\u201d Brown said.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s celebration also introduced a new way to experience the community.<\/p>\n Before the festival began, nearly 30 cyclists participated in the inaugural Duval Day Bike Tour, organized by Northside Pride of Jacksonville. The guided ride highlighted the history and culture of Jacksonville\u2019s Northside, taking participants to landmarks including Eartha White\u2019s historic coquina cottage and Holley\u2019s BBQ, Jacksonville\u2019s oldest Black-owned barbecue restaurant.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/tempbike3.jpg\")
<\/a>Duval Day crowd was estimated at 3000 by JSO<\/p>\n<\/a>Millicent Daniels, Lil Duval and Councilwoman Ju\u2019Coby Pittman<\/p>\n