Columbia County is preparing for its first Cultural Festival in November.
Janet Wheatley, programs and events manager for Columbia County, said the idea for the festival came because they wanted to showcase the different cultures in the area.
“We’re going to have different cultures that will display information, fashion, beauty, some of them may have some items to sell and authentic food from their areas,” Wheatley said. “Just a way for people to come together and learn about different cultures through their food, their song, their dance, art and clothing.”
At the start of the festival on both days, Wheatley said there will be a fashion show parade showing off fashion from each culture. At the end of the day there will be a parade of nations where each culture will have the flag of their nation.
“It’s a way to say we’ve got a lot of cultures in the area,” Wheatley said. “A way to bring them altogether so we can all have a learning experience, as well as just a fun time to see other people perform, try their food if you haven’t done that before…different things like that.”
As of Friday, Aug. 9, Wheatley said the event has representation from South Sudan, Ghana, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, India and the South Pacific Islands. However, they are looking for more countries and those interested can fill out a form online at columbiacountyga.gov.
The Columbia County Cultural Festival will be Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day. This free event will be held at Evans Towne Center Park. For more information, visit the Columbia County Parks, Recreation and Events Facebook page or to join the event, visit columbiacountyga.gov.
