International Festival celebrates Wheeling's diversity

Experience 25 cultures in one location at this year's International Festival, set for 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, at Heritage Park, 100 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Admission is free.

The goal of the event, hosted by the Wheeling Park District, is to celebrate and showcase the diversity of the community.

Performances and demonstrations will represent the cultures of India, Mexico, Ireland, Brazil, Colombia, Spain, the Middle East, West Indies, Russia, and more.

More than 20 community organizations will offer art and craft activities for children and adults. Create a maraca, Chinese lantern, or get some henna done. New this year will be a trackless train that will take riders "around the world." Additional activities include a soccer dart inflatable game, inflatables, face painting and more.

A variety of food vendors are expected, including Mario's Cart and Wa-Pa-Ghetti's Pizza.

The performance lineup includes:

• 1 p.m. Jeff and Janis, "Sounds of Israel"

• 1:30 p.m. Indiawaale, "Indian Fusion"

• 1:45 p.m. Ballet Folklorico Citlalli, "Mexican Folklore"

• 2 p.m. West Indian Dance Theater, "West Indie Dance"

• 2:30 p.m. Gayageum Ensemble, "Korean Traditional Strings"

• 2:40 p.m. Chicago Pungmul School, "Korean Drumming"

• 3 p.m. Tlaxcala

• 3:20 p.m. Metzger Flamenco Ensemble

• 3:50 p.m. Elizeth Hernandez, "Mariachi"

• 4 p.m. Dance Drive (Russian Dance)

• 4:05 p.m. Lubava (Traditional Russian Dance)

• 4:30 p.m. Alegria Mexicana, "Ballet Folklorico"

• 5 p.m. Bolly DanceFit, "Indian Bollywood Dance"

• 5:30 p.m. Tierra Colombiana, "Colombia Traditional Folklore"

• 6 p.m. Mariachi Monumental de Mexico

• 6:30 p.m. Hokulea, "Polynesian Revue Show"

Admission is free. Visit wheelinginternationalfest.com for details.