By Lynn Jones | A Clay County tradition built around soul food, music, culture and comm8nity service marked a major milestone as the Green Cove Springs Soul Food and Music Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary with a Silver Jubilee Gala.

The Sept. 20, celebration at Sullivan Hall in Fleming Island honored the festival’s history while recognizing community members whose decades of service and mentorship have influenced generations of young people throughout Clay County.

Festival founders Felecia and Clarence Hampshire presented commemorative plaques and a video chronicling the events 25-year journey. The couple also reflected on the festival’s beginnings and recognized the relatives, friends, volunteers , sponsors and and community leaders who helped transform the event into an annual Green Cove Springs tradition. Carol Copeland served as mistress of ceremonies.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of two longtime Clay County coaches.

Coach Ron Riddle, who coached at Clay High School and Green Cove Springs Junior High School during a career spanning more than five decades, was honored for his service to young people and named Grand Marshal of the 2026 Soul Food Festival Parade.

The late Coach Herbert Wilbert was honored posthumously for more than 50 years of coaching, mentoring and community service, particularly in Middleburg and Orange Park. Wilbert was named honorary grand marshal of this year’s parade.

For a quarter-century, the festival has brought residents together around the traditions at the heart of the Southern and African American culture. What began as a community event has grown into an annual celebration that organizers hope will continue for generations. Festivities will culminate with the 25th Annual Green Cove Springs Soul Food and Music Festival on Saturday, October 3, from noon to 7 p.m. at Vera Francis Hall Park. The Soul Food Festival Parade will kick off the festivities at noon.

For more info info visit://www.greencovesprings.com/294/Soul-Food-Festival