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Carbondale Town Square Pavilion will be transformed into a multi-cultural playground filled with diverse music, food and activity as the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce opens the inaugural Ethnic Festival on Friday.
The festival is intended to provide the community with a sense of union by celebrating cultural differences.
"It is going to be bringing a lot of people together," said Sara Berkbigler, executive director of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. "The festival seems very fitting for the city."
The festival will begin at 4 p.m. with East Indian dance by Nadia Ali. A variety of musical entertainment will follow such as the traditional tribal beats of Southern Illinois West African Drumming Ensemble and Shady Mix playing American bluegrass closing out the first evening.
The festival will continue on Saturday, beginning at noon, with Tae Kwon-Do demonstrations by Perry's School of Tae Kwon-Do. Dancers from Susan Barnes Dance Studio and Ballet Folkorio Mexicano are also scheduled to perform during the afternoon.
The evening will be filled with a mixture of musical talents, including The Dorians, playing traditional Irish and Celtic music, The Waterloo German Band and Terra Firma performing reggae.
"There will be a strong variety of music and entertainment," Berkbigler said.
An assortment of foods from around the globe will be available with prices ranging from $1.50 to $19.
"We are going to offer a lot of great food," Berkbigler said. "Everything from catfish and Cajun to Mexican and barbecue."
Area businesses will cater an array of authentic cultural meals. Among the variety of cultures being represented through cuisine will be Polish, Chinese, German, Italian, Middle Eastern and Soul Food dishes. Wine and beer will also be served in designated areas.
"It's not traditional fair food," Berkbigler said. "It should satisfy every appetite."
Activities are planned each day for children, although adults are encouraged to participate.
"We have people coming in from all over to help share their culture," Berkbigler said. "They will be doing things that some of these kids have never seen before. It is a learning experience as well as a fun one."
Cultural hands-on activities will be representative of North and South America, Asia, India and Western and Eastern Europe. Origami, Korean fans, calligraphy bookmarks and Henna tattoos will be some of the crafts people can participate in.
"There will be people from many different countries sharing their culture," Berkbigler said. "Visitors from Africa will be there to dress up the children in traditional clothing, and they will be able to have their picture taken."
The festival is a fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce and is made possible through business sponsorship and community support.
"For being the first time putting something like this together, we have had tremendous support and effort from everyone," Berkbigler said. "I hope this can be a continual event."
Admission for Friday and Saturday will be $2 for adults and $1 for children 17 and under. Sunday's activities are free to the public beginning at 11:00 a.m. For further information, contact the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce at 549-2146.
