The 25th annual Owensboro Multicultural Festival will take place August 19, with the theme “One Community, Many Voices.” The event will celebrate diversity in the community in addition to offering more than 40 exhibit booths and food trucks as well as live entertainment.
The event will be held at First Presbyterian Church (1328 Griffith Avenue) starting at 10 a.m.
Organizers said they host the festival because they “hope to foster understanding and respect for our similarities and differences so that we may build a stronger community. It is more important than ever to embrace differences as a strength rather than a threat. We have a vision of Owensboro as a community that welcomes all people.”
They said more than 40 exhibit booths will highlight world cultures and community organizations; food vendors will represent a variety of cuisines; and entertainment will come from many cultures, including music, dance, theater, martial arts, and more.
“The Multicultural Festival has connected people who are different from one another but share the same community for 25 years now,” said Debbie McCoy, Chair of the Owensboro Multicultural Festival Committee. “Many of the conversations that started at the festival have grown into relationships that make our community stronger and more vibrant.”
Jeff Moles, Director of Christian Education & Mission at First Presbyterian Church, said last year’s festival was a highlight of the time he has lived in Owensboro.
“I will never forget seeing a young boy from Ukraine lead the People’s Parade, men from Afghanistan proudly singing their anthem, or families from Burma sharing their food,” Moles said. “The world has come to us in so many ways, and it is a holy experience to encounter the traditions, hospitality, and joy of people who have made their home here.”
Festival sponsors include Owensboro Health, Thacker Wealth & Retirement – Raymond James, Southern Star, Boardwalk Pipeline, UniFirst, First Presbyterian Church, Atmos Energy, Independence Bank, and Kurtz Auction.
