WorldFest 2009 brings international flair to Louisville
Got an appetite for something spicy and Jamaican? In the mood for Celtic drums and bagpipe music? Want to share the joy with some new Americans as they celebrate their initiation as citizens?
You can find all that and more Sept. 4-6 at Louisville's WorldFest 2009. The free festival will be held on the city's waterfront Belvedere at Fifth and Main streets.
Named one of the top 20 events in the summer and fall by the Southeast Tourism Society, WorldFest has been held for the last seven years on Labor Day Weekend in downtown Louisville.
With attendance of 100,000, WorldFest features Louisville’s largest collection of ethnic restaurants at one event. More than two dozen food vendors, including India Palace, Mai's Thai, Istanbul Palace, Sake Blue Japanese Bistro and Sabor Peruano, will offer their culinary specialties and host cooking demonstrations. Click here for a list of all the food vendors.
Those with a thirst for the exotic might want to visit the International Bier Garden. Entertainment will be provided by groups such as the Louisville Pipe Band, River City Drum Corp, River City Drum Corp, Quitumbe Andean Ballet, Men of Thunda (Celtic drums and bagpipe) throughout the three-day event. A complete entertainment schedule is available here.
Traditionally, more than 700 people take their oath of U.S. citizenship at a naturalization ceremony on Friday, and their achievement is recognized Saturday in the “Parade of Cultures.”
The parade features local and regional residents in their native dress representing almost every culture in the world; music and performances from a variety of artists complement the experience. If you would like to walk in the parade, click here.
If you're shopping for gifts or souvenirs, the festival won't let you down. Participating craft vendors will include Acapulco Crafts, Badara's Jewelry, the Drepung Gomang Institute, India Unlimited, Road to Morocco and more. A complete list is available here. http://www.louisvilleky.gov/International/WorldFest2009/WF09VendorList.htm
Entertainment begins Friday at 10:30 a.m. The schedule varies daily. You can find a complete breakdown here.
Posted by Ivonne Rovira
