About Us

MISSION

To offer a free annual festival which encourages the appreciation and recognition of community diversity through entertainment, cuisine, education, and artistic expression of all cultures.

OBJECTIVES

Enhance multi-cultural awareness through artistic expression.

Celebrate, perpetuate and preserve diverse art and culture.

Recognize common traditions.

FESTIVAL HISTORY

The roots of the festival began in 1995 as a way to respond proactively to KKK activities in the area.

The festival was officially founded in 1996 by Eugene Donaway, Bea Corra and a small group of citizens with the goal of increasing multi-cultural awareness in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Mr. Donaway passed away in 2004. In his honor a tree was planted at the City Park. During the festival the tree sits stage right.

What people are saying...

"I think it's great my daughter and I have been going for years, and for the past 7 my grand children have been coming with us." ~D. Anderson, New Martinsville, WV

“It is very interesting to talk to and learn about different cultures and to see that we are not so different." ~M. Joy, Parkersburg, WV

"I love everything about the Festival. I look forward to the entertainment, food & seeing my friends. I think it brings a lot of people to the city, so it is good for businesses. I love the fact that it is free so everyone has the chance to experience this wonderful weekend." ~C. Schlarb

"My kids and I loved making origami! We made butterflies within ten minutes. They were very hard to do but fun. Plus my kids were amaze that they could do it. They also liked the candle making and making rope bracelets." ~Denise, Elizabeth, WV

About Us

Board Members

Bea Corra

Charlotte Owens

Charlotte Owens

Charlotte Owens

Charlotte Owens

Charlotte Owens

Carol Sedgwick

Charlotte Owens

Carol Sedgwick

Sara Taylor

Sara Taylor

Sara Taylor

RICK RUBIN

Sara Taylor

Sara Taylor

Jessica "Chavi" Duckworth

Jessica "Chavi" Duckworth

Jessica "Chavi" Duckworth

Jennifer Randolph

Jessica "Chavi" Duckworth

Jessica "Chavi" Duckworth

What people are saying...