WORTHINGTON - The 2018 International Festival is, first and foremost, a celebration.
It’s a celebration of the many cultures Worthington and the United States as a whole have to offer, and it’s also the festival’s 25th anniversary.
The three-day event, which runs from July 12-14, will feature live music, dance performances, art, food and more drawn from dozens of cultures from around the world.
Maybe it’s watching a traditional Mexican ballet dancing backed up by a Mariachi band, or sampling fresh food from various foreign countries. Either way, the festival intends to offer something for people of all ages and backgrounds.
“We kind of were driven by music and activities,” said Anne Foley, an organizer for the event. “We want this to be a party. Twenty-five years for anything is kind of a big experience, so we want to make this one special.”
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The festival will have live music from Mariachi Mi Tierra, the Barbary Coast Dixieland Showband, Bollywood Dance Scene, Four Pints Shy, Pan‑handlers steel drum band and more.
Several dance groups will perform and a dozen local youths will take part in the annual youth talent showcase.
More than 10 local artists will offer handcrafted works of cultural art, and a dozen food vendors will offer food on site. Attendees will also be able to watch how various cultural dishes are made and get small samples.
For the first time, the event will show off live animals in a Zoomobile, and host art activities outside of the Artmobile. Kids will be able to play with balloon-maker Mr. Twister and members of the Worthington Police Department.
For a schedule or more information, visit www.worthingtoninternationalfestival.org and look for The Globe’s special section on the International Festival in the July 7 edition.
