Live music, ethnic fair, vendors & more
A city event celebrating diversity is set for this Saturday at Cultural Park in Cape Coral.
The fourth annual Cape Coral Culture Fest is free for all to attend, and runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. this weekend. The event is geared towards those of all ages, and will feature different cultures though live music, performances, international food, a variety of vendors and more.
“This is the city celebrating the different cultures of our community,” said city Special Events Coordinator, Todd King. “We have a lot of varying cultures, and we embrace the fact we’re a melting pot and that we come together as a community and enjoy each experience that different cultures bring.”
This year’s event features performances from (in order of appearance starting at 11) Cultural Heritage Center of SWFL international performances, Juarez Mariachi Band, Cultural Heritage Center of SWFL cultural parade and international dances, Cultural Heritage Center of SWFL international dances and audience participation, Kellyn Celtic Dance Arts, Xiaoning Zither Ensemble, Kobayashi Dojo, Turkish/Middle Eastern Belly Dance Show, and Polynesian Entertainment.
“Attendees can expect cultural entertainment as we try to span the globe,” King said. “We have food trucks that have a variety of cultural foods. A lot of the organizations that represent these variety of cultures set up booths and get information and education on who they are and how they represent our city and home cultures.”
This year’s food vendors include El Guero Tacos, Little Italy in the USA, Kasia’s Taste of Poland, Hot off the Press, Delkin’s Creamery, Empanadas by Us, Mama’s Irish Breads, Nana’s Kettlecorn, Snowie of SW Florida, and The Soda Shop.
King said the city has a committee that looks at the best entertainment options that are local, and invite those they feel are best representative of the Cape population.
Attendees should be sure to stop by the front gate tent to pick-up an event passport book. Those that visit all the local vendors to have their passport book stamped and finish by showing a completed book will receive a prize.
“I mean, it’s like, similar to an Epcot experience,” King said. “The kids get a passport book and go to different tents of different cultures and learn a little about that culture, and they get a stamp from the vendor. It’s just fun, and they get a prize that they visited all the countries we have represented in the vendor area.”
Limited parking spots are available at Cultural Park. Offsite parking will be available at Cape Coral City Hall (1015 Cultural Park Blvd.) and in the parking lot across the street from City Hall (1020 Cultural Park Blvd.) A free shuttle bus will operate from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, visit capeculturefest.com.
Cultural Park is at 528 Cultural Park Blvd., north of Cape Coral City Hall and behind the Cape Coral Museum of History and Cultural Park Theatre.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com