Multicultural experience

International Festival highlights worldwide cultures in Lynchburg, April 30

The city of Lynchburg has partnered with Action for Change (A4C) to host its first annual International Festival Saturday, April 30.

The event will take place along the Bluff Walk in Downtown Lynchburg from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Locals will have the opportunity to learn about the city’s diversity by enjoying a variety of exhibits, entertainment and ethnic cuisine.

“This is the first year for this event,” festival publicity chair JoAnn Martin said.

“It began with the city’s employee group A4C in 2014 and 2015 when they sponsored a multicultural fair for city employees. These events were well-attended, so they began to discuss the possibility of hosting something similar.”

Because of the overwhelming amount of community interest, A4C created the International Festival, an event that highlights Lynchburg’s cultural background.

Soon after, the group reached out to several non-profit organizations to secure local partners for the festival.

“Our community partners are the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, Sister City of Lynchburg-Plus and the Adult and Career Education Center of Central Virginia,” Martin said.

Overall, Martin said their main goal is to encourage a large majority of Lynchburg’s residents to attend.

“The event is free and family-friendly,” Martin said. “It will be lots of fun.”

While at the festival, guests will be able to stroll the Bluff Walk and taste foods from any of the event’s 11 vendors.

Cuisine from local favorites like Thai ‘99, Philippine Delight and the Blue Orchid Restaurant will be served at the festival, as well as food from the Jacked Rabbit and T & E Catering food trucks.

Each vendor will display a unique selection of authentic, foreign cuisine.

The festival will also feature a variety of themed entertainment, such as Thai boxing, a Scottish bagpipe performance and a multicultural dance presentation.

Martin says during the event several live musicians will play a selection of Persian and Indian music to add to the festival’s atmosphere.

“Lynchburg is a city rich in diverse cultures, experiences and backgrounds,” Martin said.

“We have citizens whose ancestors come from countries from throughout the world and residents who are from other countries too. We believe this makes our community stronger and a great place to live, work and play.”

Martin hopes that the International Festival will encourage residents to celebrate their differences, as well as appreciate their many similarities.

“The more we know, the better we can understand each other and appreciate what everyone contributes to the community,” Martin said.

“We hope the International Festival will become an annual event and continue to grow,” Martin said.

“Our ultimate goal is to create a sense of community and an appreciation for what everyone brings to the table, and of course also to have fun.”

Rutt is a feature reporter.