15th Multicultural Festival planned for Sept. 10

LACONIA — Perhaps you've noticed a sudden snap in the air lately. It might be the unfurling of the flags which make up the Parade of Flags that will kick off the 15th edition of the Laconia Multicultural Festival on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Rotary Park in downtown Laconia.

This signature area event, sponsored by the Laconia Human Relations Committee and the Historic Belknap Mill, in addition to many other contributors and numerous dedicated volunteers, celebrates America's cultural diversity and the rich ethnic heritage in the Lakes Region. It's a family-friendly event, with free admission for all ages.

"We always strive to give people the sense that they are immersing themselves in the cultures represented as if they were on an actual trip to these places," explained Becky Guyer, Multicultural Festival Committee executive director. "When you travel to a foreign land, one of the first things you'll see at your destination is that nation's flag. And so the kick-off Parade of Flags is a gateway leading visitors to the countries represented."

"There will be over fifty flags in the Parade," added Larry Frates, committee member, "from countries large and small, well-known and less well-known, often carried by area volunteers who share the ethnic heritage of that flag."

"Once you've landed at the Festival, you'll be able to do all the activities any tourist enjoys," continued Becky Guyer, "like shopping for crafts from native artisans or sampling the native cuisine. There will be many options to fill your shopping list or lunch menu. We promise that your tour will please not only your palette, but your eyes and ears – and warm your heart."

Festival visitors will also be entertained by performance artists representing varied ethnic styles and traditions. "The staggered schedule we introduced last year provided more opportunities for audiences to enjoy all of our acts, as well as a quicker turnaround time for variety," said Muff Kruse, committee member and entertainment chair. "With three stages, we can offer more acts than in the past. New arrivals include local performer Erin Lovett-Sherman's 'Artsfest,' a French-Canadian circus troupe, who will march in the Parade of Flags and then perform first on the Main Stage in Rotary Park." Younger tourists can visit the Kids' Corner for puppet shows, storytelling, Wildlife Encounter and music.

"It takes a lot of volunteers to organize and run a Festival like this," added Nicoletta Boblea, committee member, "and there's always room for more to join in. Particularly on the day of the event, we can always use additional people to help with set-up, clean-up, to pass out programs, and to carry flags and march in the parade. And of course, we encourage people to dress up in ethnic garb. To contact us about volunteering, go online to beckyg@laconiamulticulturalfestival.org or inquire on the day of the festival. We also invite you to follow us on Facebook."

"This year's Multicultural Festival, as always, is a great mix of returning favorites and new surprises," said Mayor Ed Engler, who will officially proclaim the event's start. "Just look for the signposts showing the way to the Festival grounds this Sept. 10. Watch for the banners and follow the flags."