The 2015 ESSENCE Festival kicks off this weekend, and Ford will be on hand to help attendees celebrate and potentially walk away with keys to a brand-new Ford vehicle of their choosing* as part of its title sponsorship of the 21st anniversary of the event. The ESSENCE Festival is a cultural celebration featuring a mix of established names, promising newcomers and cherished festival favorites. 
“Ford Motor Company shares in ESSENCE’s commitment to the African American community on this widely celebrated weekend of fun and empowerment,” said Shawn Thompson, manager, Ford multicultural marketing. “This annual festival is something we look forward to, seeking new ways every year to engage and excite consumers. The ESSENCE Festival affords us the opportunity to demonstrate our Go Further brand promise and showcase Ford’s latest vehicle lineup.”
Festival-goers will have the opportunity to take a test drive in Ford’s newest products at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and receive a $750** cash offer on a new Ford vehicle for opting-in to Ford communications. Vehicles available for test drives include the 2015 Edge, Focus hatchback, Fusion, Mustang, Taurus, Flex, Escape, F-150 and Explorer.
The all-new Ford GT will be front and center at the Ford display. The all-new supercar serves as the pinnacle product of the new Ford Performance group, setting new standards for Ford innovation in light-weighting, aerodynamics and EcoBoost® engine technology.
Ford will offer a number of additional activities in New Orleans tied to this year’s ESSENCE Festival. The Ford Superlounge at the Superdome will again bring some of the most exciting talent, including performances by Lianne La Havas, Elle Varner, Andra Day, Esperanza Spalding and others. Ford is partnering with SiriusXM to bring live interviews from the Ford booth at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center throughout the weekend, with Charlie Wilson, Avant, Raheem Devaughn, Tasha Page-Lockhart and many others on the schedule. Inspirational speaker, author and TV personality Iyanla Vanzant will also make an appearance at the Ford booth, handing out signed copies of her latest book.
Festival-goers can participate in the social conversation throughout the weekend by using the hashtags #Ford and #ESSENCEFest. (Courtesy of Ford)
To learn more about Ford’s newest products, log on to www.ford.com.
