After holding their annual event online in 2020, the Owensboro Multicultural Festival is returning to the lawn of First Presbyterian Church on Saturday to celebrate diversity locally.
The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1328 Griffith Ave. The full schedule can be found here.
This year’s theme is “Building Blocks of Peace.” The event will feature about 50 exhibit booths highlighting world cultures and community organizations, food vendors representing a variety of cuisines, and a full lineup of entertainment from a wide range of performers.
“I am so happy that we are going to be able to have the 23rd Annual Multicultural Festival in-person this year,” said Debbie McCoy, chair of the Owensboro Multicultural Festival Committee. “I hope this festival starts an important community conversation about the value of diversity and how we can learn to care for and respect each other.”
Organizers said they “hope to foster understanding and respect for our similarities and differences so that we may build a stronger community” and they “have a vision of Owensboro as a community that welcomes all people.”
“We are living through times where society feels like it could fall apart,” said Jeff Moles, Director of Christian Education & Mission at First Presbyterian Church. “The Multicultural Festival is one way we can learn to come together, celebrate our differences, and recognize our common humanity. I hope people in our community will take a few hours to enjoy the cultures that make Owensboro a beautiful place to live.”
Festival organizers are taking steps to ensure a safe event, including holding all activities outdoors, providing masks for those who did not bring their own, and making hand sanitizer available.
The festival is also partnering with the Green River District Health Department to offer COVID-19 vaccinations. Those who receive the vaccine at the event will get a free Multicultural Festival T-shirt and a $15 food voucher.
Festival sponsors include Owensboro Health, Thacker Wealth & Retirement – Raymond James, Southern Star, Atmos Energy, Independence Bank, and US Bank.
