Visit the World Right Here in Snellville at International Festival

From City of Snellville

The Fourth Annual Around the World Visits Snellville International Festival will greet visitors across the globe Sunday.

The event, featuring cultural displays, traditional costumes and entertainment representing music and dance from around the world, will take place from 12 to 6 p.m. on the Towne Green in front of City Hall, 2432 Oak Road.

A Parade of Nations will kick off the event at noon. Flags representing more than 40 countries will be welcomed by Hugo Trejo in the official language of each country. The Taiwanese Drum School will start performing at 12:30 p.m., followed by the Japanese Swordsmen of Gwinnett.

Several dance groups will take the stage throughout the day including the Celtic and Spanish dancers. The Atlanta Sängerkreis will perform preserving the spirit of the German culture and its history through folk song and dance.

The sweet sounds of the Caribbean Islands will be performed by the PanSonics Steel Drum Band. Local resident Greg McKeller will share his love of Scotland with his bagpipes. A taste of the orient will be offered by the An Ka Fo Drummers and Dancers followed by the dancing Golden Lions. Mocko Jumbie, a dancer from St. Thomas, will also be at the event.

There will also be cooking demonstrations throughout the day.

“It is important to share the rich heritage of our fast growing international community,” said Kelly McAloon, executive director of Snellville Tourism and Trade.

McAloon invites visitors to pick up a “passport” at the International Welcome Center on the Green. The passport will be stamped as attendees visit each country to mark the cultural experience.

There will also be an International Kids Craft Zone and a Global Sports Zone showcasing crafts and sports from around the world. The Brookwood High School Fencing Club will have interactive fencing demonstrations for those interested in the sport. The Japanese Swordsman of Gwinnett will also have an interactive area for demonstrations.

Many other games will be available to play such as bocce ball, disc golf, hopscotch, horseshoes, corn hole and double Dutch jump rope.

Tickets can be purchased for inflatables and a train ride. An all-day wristband will be available for $7 for both the inflatables and train ride.

There will be a wide variety of authentic foods including Cuba, Chile, Italian, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Mexican and American flavors.

For more information visit www.snellvilletourism.com