Bountiful 'Summerfest' to feature world cultures

BOUNTIFUL — France and Italy may be thousands of miles away from Indonesia and Australia, but you won't have to travel far to experience all of these cultures in one day.

Bountiful/Davis Summerfest International will bring a world full of ethnic experiences to Utah — as it has for 23 years — with a wealth of cultural performances, dining, arts and activities.

The free, family-friendly festival will begin with opening ceremonies, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m., at Bountiful City Park, 200 W. 400 North in Bountiful. The event will immediately propel into full swing with international performances following the ceremony. A variety of cultural activities including music, dance, food, art and games will be available Aug. 5-6, noon-10 p.m., until the closing ceremonies, Aug. 6 at 9:30 p.m.

"This cultural celebration delights the senses and bridges the borders of the world through the arts," said Emma Dugal, executive director for the Bountiful/Davis Art Center.

More than 200 international dancers and musicians will travel to Bountiful to take the stage as part of the festival's eight international groups. Approximately 50 arts and crafts booths will offer everything from handmade soaps, Russian dolls, stoneware pottery, embroidery and jewelry from around the world.

Meanwhile, more than 15 different food vendors will offer selections from Tibetan, German and Chilean to what festival officials refer to as "comfort foods" such as funnel cakes, kettle corn and snow cones.

Various Summerfest events will also be available before the festival officially begins. The Bountiful/Davis Art Center, 745 S. Main, will host an ethnic artists exhibit, July 29-Sept. 2, featuring artists from Japan, Russia, France, Utah and more.

Taste of the Town-South will be held in conjunction with a street dance, Aug. 3 at 7-9 p.m., Main Street and 100 South in Bountiful. Audiences will have the opportunity to interact and dance with the international groups that will perform throughout the festival or sample food from popular local restaurants.

Call 801-292-0367 or visit www.bdac.org for additional information and a complete schedule of events.

Email: wbutters@desnews.com