Bowling Green International Festival Set to Celebrate Cultural Diversity
Bowling Green, KY – The annual Bowling Green International Festival is returning for its 34th year, ready to transform Circus Square Park into a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity. Scheduled for September 28, the event promises a day filled with music, dance, food, and activities from around the world. Festival hours will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine.
New Attractions and Educational Experiences
This year, the festival will include several new attractions alongside fan favorites. Executive Director Kim Mason, who has been involved with the festival since 2000, expressed excitement about the changes. “An exciting addition is the free dance lessons,” she shared. These lessons will be led by Kelsey Tullis from the SoKY Dance Arts Performance Troupe and take place in 30-minute intervals indoors at LaGala.
The dance lessons will cover a variety of styles including Latin ballroom, Samoan dance, Zimbabwe dance, Persian Gulf dance, and Indian dance. Festival-goers can drop in anytime throughout the day to take part in these sessions, making it a perfect opportunity to learn and engage with cultures through movement.
A Gastronomic Delight Awaits
As always, food will be a standout feature of the festival. Mason noted that the food vendors are among the most popular attractions. “There’s definitely a lot of food,” she stated, mentioning that there will be a wide variety of options available. Many local food vendors will be present, along with others traveling from places like St. Louis, Detroit, and Indianapolis.
However, due to space limitations, Mason noted that some food trucks had to be turned away this year, as they require electricity and need to be located along the street. Nevertheless, festival attendees can expect a delightful array of authentic international cuisine.
Entertainment Line-Up
This year’s entertainment promises to be exciting with both returning and new performances. One highlight is the Yeli Ensemble, consisting of a trio of musicians and dancers from Guinea, West Africa. Their performance will feature traditional instruments and showcase cultural heritage passed down through generations. They will also invite audience members to join in at the end of their show.
Additionally, a new award-winning reggae band, Seafari, will be performing, blending reggae with various music influences like jazz and Latin. The event will also feature various performances including Celtic music, Mexican dance, and a host of others from different cultures.
Engaging Activities for Everyone
The festival will also be filled with engaging activities for all ages. There will be hourly piñata bursts, free children’s crafts, and various Celtic performances throughout the day. Mason mentioned that this year’s vendor applications have seen an increase, with 127 submissions already processed. The festival usually averages over 150 applications overall.
For those interested, a K-12 student poster contest will also take place, with categories for both younger and older students. There’s even a People’s Choice Award based on likes received on the festival’s social media page.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the festival are priced at $10 at the door, but can be reserved online for just $5. Children 12 years and under can attend for free without needing a ticket. Additionally, discount cards for local restaurants and food trucks will be available for $10 at the festival, or $5 if reserved online.
Conclusion
As the event approaches, those interested in learning more about the festival or getting involved as a volunteer can visit the festival’s website. The Bowling Green International Festival not only celebrates cultural diversity, but also fosters community spirit, making it a must-attend event this September.
