FLEMING ISLAND—This year’s first Youth Sneaker Ball event will be held on July 27 at R.M. Paterson Elementary.

The dance is a fundraising event for the upcoming annual Soul Food Festival in Green Cove Springs.

Soul Food Festival Coordinator Felecia Hampshire said this is the first time the fundraiser will be catered to children, as in the past, it has mainly been for adults.

“It’s important to those of us who volunteer with Soul Food that we often give these opportunities to the children,” Hampshire said. “As you know, many kids never really get the opportunity to do things of this caliber.”

From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., children ages 4 to 13 are invited to dress in their best formal attire while still being comfortable in their casual sneakers.

Hampshire said the event will be in the cafeteria and feature a DJ, face painting, games, prize giveaways and food.

The sponsorships include Florida Blue, O2B Kids and Winn-Dixie, as well as local restaurants such as Zaxby’s, Wendy’s and Hungry Howie's.

This year, Hampshire said a national recording artist will be joining the Soul Food Festival lineup and any of the funds raised will go towards that endeavor. Additionally, Hampshire said the funds will also help to assist the committee with their work throughout the community, such as within the Augusta Savage Arts and Community Center.

Tickets are $15 if purchased ahead of the event online at Eventbrite. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $20.

Hampshire said that parents do get in for free but will need to purchase a ticket for their child.