Celebrate diverse cultures at the Mundelein One world Festival
The Fremont Public Library District, the Mundelein Park & Recreation District, Mundelein Community Connection, the village of Mundelein, and the village of Mundelein Human Relations Commission are teaming together to host the second Mundelein One World Festival from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Mundelein Metra Station, 205 N. Archer Ave.
A variety of cultures will be represented, including Korean, Mexican, Indian, French, Italian, Polish, Irish, German, Japanese, and English. Plus, there will be expanded activities for kids and new Argentinian circus performers.
There will be six food vendors and approximately 18 exhibitors, including some vendors of cultural crafts and wares. Last year's festival, which attracted more than 1,000 people, was so successful that organizers decided to make it an annual event.
The One World Festival is a celebration of cultures from around the world, through music, dance, food, beverages, games, art and history. The festival has been carefully planned to promote the understanding and acceptance of Mundelein's variety of ethnic, cultural and religious diversity in a fun, educational and family-centered environment.
Free activities and entertainment include kids' activities, music, dance groups, educational exhibits, games, crafts and more. Festival participants can sample the world showcase of food and drink available for purchase.
There is no entry fee to participate in the festival and most entertainment and activities are free. Ample free parking also is available. Participants are encouraged to wear their traditional cultural dress.
Festival displays focus on art, history, lifestyle, traditions, religion, language, education and various other aspects of the culture that is representative of its people.
"The Mundelein One World Festival Committee has put a lot of thought into making enhancements to last year's inaugural event," said Amanda Orenchuk, senior planner, village of Mundelein.
"This year an Argentinian Pocket Circus will provide entertainment in between events, there will be a new layout for the site with improvements to circulation, the children's activities will be enhanced from last year, and there will be an elevated stage for better views of the entertainers.
"The event is carefully designed to offer a culturally relevant festival for Mundelein residents. We hope the One World Festival will help to spotlight, embrace, and celebrate diversity and all it represents."
Other new additions to the festival include 20 flags from different countries to decorate the space, as well as a huge map of the world where people can put stickers to mark their heritage.
"We welcome everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to experience many different cultures in one location. Our One World Festival is designed to do just that. I applaud everyone involved in the planning of this event," Mundelein Mayor Steve Lentz said.
One World Festival participants are encouraged to bring their appetites to enjoy the "World Food and Drink Showcase" available for purchase Local restaurants planning to attend include French restaurant Taste of Paris, Lauretta's Italian Bake Shop, Mexican restaurant El Barrio, Belgian waffle-maker Bonique, Luke's of Mundelein, Tony's Dogs and more.
Red and white wines from five continents also will be available, along with Tighthead beer brewed in the great traditions of Europe and America.
Most of the entertainers are new this year; however, Ho Etsu Taiko Drummers were very engaging for all age groups last year, so the One World Committee asked them to again participate in the festival.
Other performers include the Johnny Wagner German Band, Kalapriya Dancers, Ballet Folkloric Girasol Mexican Dance Troupe and the Soorya Indian Dance School.
"We are hoping for a great turnout at our One World Festival. We've carefully planned the entertainment, food, and activities to make sure the event will appeal to everyone," Director of Parks and Recreation Margaret Resnick said.
"We've had such a strong partnership throughout the planning process with the village of Mundelein, Mundelein Community Connection, Fremont Public Library, and the Mundelein Human Relations Commission.
"Now, we just want everyone to join us for a guaranteed fun time. We want to showcase many cultures in one setting, because we know that awareness of different cultures breeds acceptance."
If you go
<b>Mundelein One World Festival</b>Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, Mundelein Metra Station, 205 N. Archer Ave.
<b>Schedule of Special Main Stage Performances</b>• Noon: Opening ceremonies, Fremont Middle School; West Oak School students perform
• 12:30 p.m.: Johnny Wagner German Band
• 1:15 p.m.: Argentinian Pocket Circus (ongoing throughout the day)
• 1:30 p.m.: Kalapriya Dancers (Indian Culture)
• 2:30 p.m.: Ho Etsu Taiko Drummers (Japanese culture)
• 3:30 p.m.: Ballet Folkloric Girasol Mexican Dance Troupe
• 4:45 p.m.: Closing ceremonies, Soorya Indian Dance School