Chattanooga State’s International Community Outreach Office will co-host Chattanooga’s 15th Annual CultureFest on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the First Tennessee Pavilion. CultureFest is the area’s showcase of international communities and largest annual celebration of local cultures. Admission is free.
Featured activities and entertainment will include live performances from local and international cultural groups, a Parade of Nations, a multicultural fashion show, a performance contest and an exhibition of culturally themed art. Additional opportunities to learn about other cultures will be presented at exhibits coordinated by ChattState.
“As part of our guiding efforts to bridge cultural differences and cultivate a high quality of life for international people in Chattanooga, the International Community Outreach Office is proud to partner with the Chattanooga Market, city, county and ArtsBuild, in celebrating the many vibrant communities of culture in our area,” said Gladys Pineda-Loher, director. “We view CultureFest as an excellent opportunity to promote global awareness and competency in our community, and to learn about what makes each of our cultures distinctive while celebrating the lives we all share here in Chattanooga.”
CultureFest, supported by ChattState, several corporate sponsors and other partners, will be providing prizes for outstanding candidates in the following categories:
• Best delegation in the Parade of Nations
• Best cultural display exhibit
• Most authentic dress in the multicultural fashion show
• Best cultural performance
“ArtsBuild passionately believes that the arts are for all,” said Dan Bowers, president of ArtsBuild. “We are very pleased to be a part of CultureFest and celebrate our community’s rich diversity through arts and culture.”
During the opening ceremony kickoff, local leadership will present recognition to the expanded and new members of the Cultural Ambassadors and International Achievers. More than 200 local education and workforce development leaders, speaking 30 languages and representing 50 countries will be in attendance. These leaders will help assist in the development of service projects and a new cultural calendar, while serving as translation and cultural etiquette resources to community leaders working to promote regional economic development.
CultureFest attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives that are joining ChattState, city, county and ArtsBuild in its efforts to create opportunity and bridges of understanding in the region.
“As an organization devoted to enhancing community and small business development, the Chattanooga Market is delighted to collaborate with ChattState, city and county in celebrating the diverse cultures that so deeply enrich our area,” said Chris Thomas, executive director of the Chattanooga Market. "We expect Chattanooga's 15th annual CultureFest to be a very memorable occasion, and we always look forward to hosting our community partners each year at Chattanooga Market.”
For cultural displays or the international outreach initiatives, please contact Gladys Pineda-Loher at gladys.pineda-loher@chattanoogastate.edu. Or read about the initiatives at http://www.chattanoogastate.edu/international-outreach
For more information about Chattanooga Market vendor sales go to: http://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com.
Program for CultureFest 2014
10:55 Opening Remarks by Dr. James Catanzaro who will introduce Mayors and Chief of Police (Brief remarks by Mayors and Chief Fletcher)
11:15 Burundian Dance called Twigire Ku Itetero (Gathering)
11:25 Belly Dance performance: “Mirabai Bellydance and Emerald Hips”
11:55 Colombian Dance by Cultural Ambassadors from Colombia -
12:05 Peruvian Dance by Cultural Ambassadors
12:10 Philippine Performance by (FAAGC)
12:15 Cuban Dance by Cultural Ambassadors (Chachacha -Salsa)
12:30 Belly Dance performance: Zanzibar Studio by Lacy Jo
12:30 Line up for Parade at Finley Stadium
1:00 Parade of Nations
(Start in Finley Stadium South Entrance to the inside stage and it will be led by the Transatlantic Chilean Folk Ensemble and followed by representatitives from 52 countries)
1:30 The Transatlantic Chilean Folk Ensemble Performing “El Gran Norte”
2:00 Multicultural Fashion Show
2:30 Indian Performance from Indian Association of Chattanooga
2:40 Colombian Dance by Cultural Ambassadord from Colombia
3:00 Cuban Dance by Cultural Ambassadors (cha cha cha and salsa)
3:15 Peruvian and Brazilian Dance by Cultural Ambassador
3:30 Philippine Performance by FAAGC
3:45 Recognition of volunteers, Cultural Ambassadors and International Achievers