JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Community members gathered Saturday to celebrate what makes Duval great.
The annual "Duval Day" celebrations took place Saturday on Myrtle Avenue in Jacksonville.
Food vendors and business owners who lined the sidewalk of Myrtle Avenue said they came out for one reason.
“Support, love, hometown people trying to make a way," said William Hicks, owner of 'Da Crab Trap.'
Hicks grew up in Jacksonville’s Arlington neighborhood before becoming his own boss. Now, he sells his one-of-a-kind crabs all over Florida.
“You have a lot of small-town, mom-and-pop shops that are really good, that are even better than some of their bigger competitors so it’s about giving everybody a shot," Hicks said.
Hicks, like many other small business owners on the block, said Duval Day helps them market their business to the community.
The annual Duval Day was started by Jacksonville native Lil Duval.
In a social media post, he explained how he started the day to give back to the community and to provide a safe space to celebrate Jacksonville.
For many, it was their first time experiencing the annual event.
“My first Duval Day, so I heard about it yesterday, somebody came and told me I should come out to Duval Day, so I’m here and glad I can support," said Reuben Chandler, owner of Brooklyn Ice.
Some vendors say it was also a day to network with other local entrepreneurs and find resources for people looking to grow their businesses.
“Small businesses are important because it gives you the opportunity for financial freedom, time freedom so if you have the opportunity to be an entrepreneur I think you should do so," Chandler said.