Another option for watching will be available on http://www.atmc.net/res/atmctv-localshows.aspx in the form of a YouTube video under “Chamber Highlights.”

Lydia and Yvonne will share highlights of the history and current vision of the festival, as well as what the public can expect from this educational, free endeavor. Come experience the festival at Brunswick Community College from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, September 10, 2011.

Event planning is now under way.

The free event will be on the grounds of the Odell Williamson Auditorium on the campus of Brunswick Community College, just off U.S. 17 in Bolivia, N.C.

The festival activities will include arts and crafts, children’s activities, food, music and entertainment representing the many cultures present in Brunswick County.

The festival features music and dance groups from North and South Carolina representing some of the finest traditions of such cultures as Native American, Hispanic/Latino, Filipino, Swedish, German, Scandinavian and African.

Event sponsors and vendors are needed, as well as volunteers who are interested in helping organize the event. To learn more, e-mail interculturalfestival@hotmail.com.

The event will be from noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, on the grounds of Odell Williamson Auditorium on the campus of Brunswick Community College in Bolivia.

The theme of this year’s event is “Bringing the World to Brunswick County.”

Throughout the day, dancers, singers, storytellers and performers will entertain the crowd. Visitors will also have a chance to sample diverse ethnic food and will be able to visit the International Pavilion to speak with people showcasing their culture and heritage.

Want to participate in the event? It’s not too late. Contact Mari-Lou Wong-Chong at 842-6566 or by e-mail at interculturalfestival@hotmail.com.

We hope to see you there!

The festival, which celebrates diverse cultures that make up Brunswick County, will be from noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, on the grounds of Odell Williamson Auditorium on the campus of Brunswick Community College in Bolivia.

At the last festival, about 1,000 people attended and were treated to displays, music and dance groups that represented cultures such as Native Americans, Hispanics and Latinos, Filipinos, and the countries of Sweden, Germany, Scandinavia and Africa.

Organizers hope more international groups to be represented this year.

The intercultural festival is a nonprofit event; all money raised through sponsorships and donations help pay for the festival’s expenses.

Event sponsors and vendors are needed. There are four levels of sponsorships.

For $25, vendors will receive a 10×10 outdoor space to display their wares.

A bronze sponsorship is $100 and includes an outdoor space and the sponsor’s name in the event program. A silver sponsorship is $500 and includes the outdoor space, the sponsor’s name, contact information and logo displayed in the celebration area and in the event program.

A $1,000 gold sponsorship includes everything in the bronze level as well as the sponsor’s company banner being displayed at the main event and the sponsor’s logo being included in advertising as the event’s major sponsor.

The $2,500 platinum sponsorship includes everything listed above, plus five free meal tickets.

For more information about becoming a sponsor or vendor, contact Reggie Smith at the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce at 754-6644 ext. 105.

For more information about the festival, visit interculturalfestival.wordpress.com or e-mail interculturalfestival@hotmail.com.

The Brunswick County Intercultural Festival is sponsored by Brunswick Community College, the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, The Brunswick Beacon, the Brunswick Arts Council and Advanced Timber Manufacturing LLC.

The planning committee meets at noon two Thursdays a month at Brunswick Community College in Bolivia.

Volunteers are needed to help recruit people representing diverse cultures in Brunswick County to participate in the annual event as well as help seek sponsors and other contributors to the program. Volunteers help plan out the day’s activities including food, music and other entertainment.

If you would like to know more about the group, come to the next meeting at noon, Thursday, March 18, in the conference room of Building D at BCC.

You can also find out more by visiting interculturalfestival.wordpress.com or becoming a fan of the Brunswick County Intercultural Festival on Facebook.

To learn more about the event and volunteer opportunities or to participate or become a sponsor, e-mail interculturalfestival@hotmail.com or call Reggie Smith, event co-chair at 754-6644 ext. 105 or Mari-Lou Wong-Chong, co-chair at 842-6566.

We are looking for anyone who has an interest in promoting and sharing diverse cultures of Brunswick County to be a part of this group.

The group typically meets at noon, every other Thursday (or less frequently) at Brunswick Community College.

If you would like to be a part of this event, please contact Reggie Smith at the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce at 754-6644 ext. 105 or e-mail rsmith@brunswickcountychamber.org.

Cheick Sissoko is a West African dancer and storyteller, and has performed at the festival before. His group, “SOKOLAB” performs for many school groups. He hopes to be a mentor for children and young people. He teaches regular African dance and drumming classes in Wilmington.
For more information, visit Cheick Sissoko