Take a trip around the world, sans passport, at Addison’s Worldfest 2009

by PegNews wire

ADDISON — Jules Verne traveled around the world in 80 days, but have you ever considered doing it in just one weekend?

On October 24 and 25, 2009, visitors to WorldFest will have the chance to do just that in Addison Circle Park. The Town of Addison and the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth are partnering to present WorldFest 2009, North Texas’ largest international festival. The two-day event takes attendees on a journey around the world, allowing them to experience the many diverse cultures that make North Texas such a vibrant place to live and work.

Guests will be immersed in the cultures of Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Their experiences will include non-stop entertainment, international food, world markets, childrens activities, global games, and a Parade of Nations.

This year’s WorldFest has a unifying theme -- Green Around the World. For example, did you know that 60% of Switzerland’s electricity is provided by hydroelectric power? At WorldFest, visitors will learn interesting facts about how countries are promoting sustainability, and how we can all reduce our carbon foot prints while having fun. Green Around the World also showcases the Town of Addison’s new “green” website, www.addisongreen.info.

The Parade of Nations kicks off an evening of entertainment, Saturday, October 24. This symbolic parade boasts a sea of international flags borne by participants in authentic national dress that promises to be a stirring sight. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m., as participants carry their flags to the main stage to create a global backdrop for the festival’s headliners.

With six entertainment stages, WorldFest has something for everyone. Guests can enjoy featured groups like the Chinese Acrobats of Hebei, a 45-member, three-time world champion folk dance group from Turkey presented by TURANT, Iraqi pianist Abbas Abboud, Brave Combo, The Killdares, and The Australian Outback Show. Other performances include hula dancing, kung fu demonstrations, Scottish reels, traditional Indian and Ethiopian dancing, Brazilian Capoeira, world flutes, and much more.

New this year is the WorldFest Mariachi Competition, which is presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico and hosted by WFAA’s Cynthia Izaguirre. Professional and student mariachi groups will whisk WorldFest patrons away to the streets of Mexico with the sounds of trumpets, violins, and traditional mariachi guitars. The region’s top groups will compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to perform on stage Sunday, October 25, with famous songstress Veronica Robles.

Guests can immerse themselves in the cultures of our featured countries through “experiences” organized by international community organizations in cooperation with WorldFest. The Turkey Experience, which is presented by TURANT, will showcase traditional folk dancing, live Turkish music, a Turkish bakery, coffee and tea house and bazaar. The India Experience, hosted by the Indian American Friendship Council, will offer visitors exciting tastes of South Asia and great entertainment on the region’s stage. Italian culture, tradition and cuisine will be celebrated at the Italy Experience, presented by the Italian Club of Dallas.

International table games and sports will take place in the global games area. Rugby, cricket, or soccer will offer visitors the chance to learn high-intensity international sports. Those looking for something tamer may enjoy a relaxing game like bocce, mancala, or backgammon.

Shoppers will find marketplace booths in each region featuring exotic items from around the world, such as jewelry, clothing, fashion accessories, art, decorating accessories -- even fine cigars.

Attendees can take a break from the festivities and have a taste of the world at any of the many food booths. A sampling of the WorldFest’s global cuisine includes Polish pierogis, Mexican pork tamales, traditional English fish and chips, Chinese crab rangoon, Indian chicken masala, and Turkish kabobs.

Children will get a hands-on introduction to the global cultures through arts, crafts, performances, and other creative activities. They will have the opportunity to make French friendship bracelets, origami, and Portuguese tile art along with bowls and vases using pottery wheels. A theater workshop from the Dallas Children’s Theater and performances by The Wiggles characters Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, and Henry the Octopus offer a full weekend of entertainment for young audiences.

The DALLAS Film Society will present an International Film Shorts Showcase that explores cultural themes from a variety of countries. Warrior Queen, directed by Hezekiah Lewis; La Poesie de L’exactitude, directed by Alan Govenar; and Les Vulnerables, directed by Bent-Jorgen Perlmutt, are some of the featured films that will be shown in blocks during the festival.

Visitors will also see beautiful jade pieces from the Crow Collection of Asian Art. The exhibition presents a special selection from the museum’s renowned jade collection. Long noted for its craftsmanship, impressive artistic styles, and comprehensive nature, this collection of the “stone of heaven” ranks among the highlights of the museum’s holdings.

In celebration of United Nations Day on October 24, WorldFest is proud to showcase a special performance by concert pianist Abbas Abboud, who escaped Iraq after the death of his father with the help of Ambassador Francis Dubois, principal adviser for the United Nations Development Program. Listen to this virtuoso and hear the exciting tale as told by Ambassador Dubois on October 24 in the Addison Conference Centre.

Other great activities include:

* Consular Corps of Texas reception – Tickets are $40 and include free admission to WorldFest. For ticket sales and more information, contact Nicole Newkham with the Town of Addison at 972-450-6281.

* Travel Journal – Learn about the world and enter to win prizes.

* Cultural Couture – a runway show of African, Indian, Turkish, and Vietnamese fashions.

* Green Gallery – Local students from Greenhill will show off environmental-themed including pieces made from sustainable resources.

Source: WorldFest