Cooper-Young Fest Like 'Super Bowl' for Neighbors
By Grant Milner/MicroMemphis Contributor
September 16, 2011
Cooper Young Festival is more than what meets the eye. The festival defines tradition and permits the entire city of Memphis to join in on the fun.
“This festival is the Super Bowl for our neighborhood. People mark their calendars in anticipation up to a year in advance,” said Jarrod Gray a local Cooper-Young resident. “It is amazing to see how a small neighborhood like Cooper-Young can come together every year and put on an amazing event.”
“I love bringing my kids to this every year. I grew up in this neighborhood and it means a lot to me to be able to have come here with my parents when I was a kid. And now to bring my 4- year-old with me means the world,” said Eliza Burch, a long time Cooper-Young resident.
The art that is displayed at the festival is anything but traditional. There are wide varieties of work from local artists, to people traveling from the surrounding areas. They have pictures of local places, as well as scenic photos for sale. The pottery booths are also a unique part of the festival. Many people wait until this time of year to get their hands on the local art.
“I think the amount of art that we have out here this year is more than ever before,” said Alex Finn of Memphis. “This is my fourth year coming to the festival and I think this is the best work I have seen so far.”
The local feel is the most important part of the festival. People come from all over the city of Memphis to see what the Cooper- Young Festival is all about and to help support the neighborhood.
“I keep coming back every year to find different attractions that amaze me,” said Jerry Fitz of Memphis. “I love supporting neighborhoods like this that have purpose and tradition. Cooper-Young instills something in every resident and visitor that keeps him or her coming back for more.”