CLEVELAND — In Cleveland, thousands of people are expected to enjoy a two-day celebration of Black culture at the annual Juneteenth Freedom Fest.

What You Need To Know

  • Cleveland Juneteenth Freedom Fest is 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. June 16 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 17 at Mall C downtown 

  • Music, arts, vendors and a "Soul Food Row" will be set up for the thousands of guests expected to attend

  • Mac Attack will sell handmade macaroni and cheese to customers at the event

The event features music, art and vendors at Mall C in Downtown Cleveland, including a “Soul Food Row” where Alia Edwards is planning to set up her shop.

“It’s soul food, and it’s food for the soul,” she said.

Edwards uses a recipe perfected since age 12 to turn macaroni, cheese and other ingredients into what might be the ultimate comfort food.

“Salt and pepper until you hear the ancestors say, ‘That’s enough,’” she said.

She mixes everything up with her hands.

“This is the best way to make sure everything is thoroughly mixed together without compromising the quality of your noodles,” Edwards said.

Pouring the mixture into a pan to create a Mac Attack. It’s baked in an oven for about an hour to create a custard-like consistency.

She started the business last year and her first event was memorable.

“It was crazy,” she said. “Caught the kitchen on fire, showed up to our first event late with half the product.”

But once she made a sale, she was sold on the idea.

“It’s been on ever since,” Edwards said.

She has a different full-time job.

“And I have a 7-year-old and a husband,” she said. “That’s my second job. And this is my third job, doing macaroni and cheese.”

But the business melted into place. In the first year she estimated making about a thousand pounds of pasta to sell.

Her family’s support helps make it all happen. Her husband sets up the booth at events.

“I just cook," she said. "He does all the physical work."

And she said her son’s an eager taste tester.

“‘Mom, are you making mac and cheese this weekend?’” Edwards said. “If it’s not food truck season, he’s always down for macaroni and cheese.”

At events, Edwards provides fresh toppings like sour cream, chives, bacon and jalapeños to spice things up.

“Once your first customer takes that first bite and they’re all excited, or they come back and say ‘This is just the best mac and cheese I ever had,’ it makes it all worth it,” she said.

Cleveland Juneteenth Freedom Fest runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday with a fireworks finale, and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Mall C in downtown Cleveland.

Mac Attack is also available to purchase at select retailers, with more planned for this fall.

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