LOCAL DIVERSITY ON FULL DISPLAY

Different cultures, traditions celebrated during festival

The second day of the 51st annual Lorain International Festival at Black River Landing, 421 Black River Lane, put the city’s cultural diversity on full display.

The afternoon of entertainment kicked off with a performance by the Lorain International Princesses followed by a number of ethnic dance troupes starting with Shojoji Japanese Dancers who performed a number of folk dances from the land of the rising sun.

Performances by groups represented traditions from multiple continents including African Royalty, Alma de Mexico, the Chamberlain Irish Dancers and the Philippine American Association.

The Lorain Hungarian Folk Dancers and Puerto Rican dance group Escencia Boricua Cultural de Lorain wowed audiences with their upbeat performances.

International cuisine was plentiful with the opportunity to try dishes from Poland to Puerto Rico and everything in between.

The evening ended with musical performances by Irish folk band No Strangers Here and Rumours, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band.

President of the Lorain International Association Ben Davey said he was thrilled with the turnout so far with a packed crowd in attendance waiting for Rumours to take the stage.

“We are absolutely

thrilled with the results today,” Davey said.

Davey spoke about the essence of the International Festival as a celebration of diversity and inclusion.

“Lorain is a city with a rich cultural ethnic heritage, as evidenced with all of the ethnic and social clubs, and is a celebration of inclusion and a celebration that our differences can bring us together,” Davey said.

The opportunity to enjoy

music and food from around the world and honoring diversity is what puts the international in Lorain’s moniker as the international city.

The Lorain International Festival continues on June 25 with the Lorain International Parade at 11:30 a.m. where participants will march from the intersection of Broadway Ave. and 15th Street to Lorain City Hall at 200 West Erie Ave. followed by a full afternoon of entertainment, food and fun. The parade is free and festivities at Black River Landing will take place from noon to 6pm and admission is $3.00.

KEVIN MARTIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL Members of Puerto Rican dance group Esencia Boricua Cultural de Lorain perform on the main stage at Black River Landing on June 24 at the 51st annual Lorain International Festival. The group is in its 36th year of performing in the International...

KEVIN MARTIN — THE MORNING JOURNAL Members of the Lorain Hungarian Folk Dancers perform on the main stage at Black River Landing during the 51st annual Lorain International Festival.