Festival to Highlight Diversity of Northland  

President Pro Tem A. Troy Miller to Attend Opening Ceremony

After months of planning, the first ever Northland International Festival will take place August 25 and 26 at the Northland Performing Arts Center, 4411 Tamarack Blvd., just south of Morse Road.

Conceived by a large group of area nonprofit organizations, the event will feature food, music, art and dance from around the world, reflecting the rich cultural diversity and history of the Northland area. Admission and parking are free to the public.

"We're anticipating over 10,000 people," said Festival organizer Joyce Bourgault, "and there will be lots to see and enjoy." Scores of outdoor and indoor attractions are planned, including multi-cultural music, art and dance venues, all manner of domestic and ethnic foods, community service exhibits, Northland historical displays, a variety of arts and crafts vendors, and hot air balloon rides. There will be a large children’s play area with physical fitness programs all day provided by the North YMCA. There is ample space available at the venue, and additional food and crafts vendors are always welcome.

Opening ceremonies begin at 10:00 am, Saturday, August 25, with a parade commencing just north of the Ohio Department of Taxation building near Karl Road. Marchers will carry more than 50 flags representing the original homelands of Northland residents. The parade will end in front of the headquarters of Franklin County Jobs and Family Services and free parking will be at the Ohio Department of Taxation. Many area civic and business leaders are expected to attend the ceremony.

Primary funding for the Festival comes from a grant from the Chase 200Columbus Neighborhood Grant Program delivered through the Greater Columbus Arts Council. Other sponsors include Northland Alliance, the Northland Performing Arts Center, Northland Community Council, the North Side Health Advisory Committee, the Northland Area Business Association, Hadler Cos., Molina Healthcare, White Castle, La Michoacanna, Able Roofing, Swan Cleaners, Bob Daniels Buick, the Superior Group, State Repr. John Patrick Carney, Columbus African SDA Church and a number of other individual contributors.

Hours for the Festival are Saturday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The location is at the Northland Performing Arts Center and in the parking lot of the Franklin County Jobs and Family Services building, about two blocks east of Karl Road and one block south of Morse Road.

For full details, visit www.northlandfest.com.

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For further information, please contact:

Joyce Bourgault

Festival Chairman

614-262-5094

helpinghandsfreeclinic@hotmail.com