The 17th Annual Brunswick County Intercultural Festival will be held this Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Riverwalk Park in Belville. The event, organized by the Brunswick Arts Council, North Carolina Arts Council, and the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, aims to celebrate cultural diversity and heritage within the community. Since its inception in 2004, the festival has grown substantially, now offering an expanded array of cultural experiences and traditions for attendees of all ages.
Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of activities, performances, and educational opportunities throughout the day. The festival will feature cultural performances, children’s activities, ethnic food vendors, and an engaging International Village showcasing countries from Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe. The International Village provides a platform for attendees to learn about different nations’ customs, traditions, and histories, creating a unique cultural exchange opportunity. A special “Passport to Culture” activity designed for children will also be part of the festival’s offerings.
Organizer Mari-Lou Wong-Chong expressed excitement about the event, highlighting its role in bringing the community together to celebrate the diverse cultures coexisting in Brunswick County. The Entertainment Stage will host a lineup of ethnic artists dressed in traditional attire, presenting music, dance, and visual art from around the world. Grupo Folklorico and various local performers representing countries like China, Thailand, and the Philippines will be among the featured acts.
In addition to live performances, artwork by local students focusing on multicultural themes will be showcased in the Poster Art Contest, with winners recognized on the main stage. Wong-Chong emphasized the festival’s core message of unity amidst diversity, promoting inclusion and cultural appreciation as essential values.
The Brunswick County Intercultural Festival is dedicated to promoting acceptance and understanding through cross-cultural education. Families are encouraged to attend and enjoy the interactive exhibits, live entertainment, and diverse culinary offerings available from around the globe. Vendors and participants will begin setup at 9:00 a.m., with performances scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m. at Riverwalk Park in Belville, NC. More information about the festival can be found on their website.
