12 UCW SEPTEMBER 25-OCTOBER 1, 2019
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM
e Arts Council of Fayetteville and
Cumberland County will host the 41st
International Folk Festival Sept. 28 and
29. IFF packs an amazing amount of
diversity into the two-day festival.
e longest running festival in the
region gives the Arts Council an oppor-
tunity to introduce Fayetteville to the
unique variety of original artistic tradi-
tions from dozens of diverse cultures.
Fort Bragg brings many people to our
community from all over the world so
many of these cultures are represented
in the Fayetteville community.
The festival kicks off Saturday at
10:30 a.m. with the Parade of Na-
tions on Hay Street. Experience the
distinct and vibrant cultures of more
than 30 nations as representatives
parade down Hay Street wearing
their native dress.
Following the parade, head to Festival Park and
take in seven unique cultural performance areas
with craft and food vendors. Enjoy authentic cuisine,
live performances, arts, crafts and vendors from
around the world.
Saturday night's festivities include Rocksplosion!
— the ultimate rock star tribute show. It is one band
with four distinct performances, representing Ma-
donna, Tina Turner, Bon Jovi and Jimmy Buffet.
Sunday's events begin at 1 p.m. with Praise in
the Park, a performance of 10 praise and wor-
ship dance groups and 10 faith-based choirs. It
concludes with the 6 p.m. performance of gos-
pel sensation, Yael Hilton. Hilton, a Fayetteville
native, has a powerful voice reminiscent of Nina
Simone.
In addition to the cultural performances, the
schedule includes live demonstrations from area
artist, mimes, aerialists, drum circles, perfor-
mance art, belly dancers, storytelling,
fiddle players, magicians, balloon art-
ists, painters, fire dancers and tradi-
tional American blues performances.
is year, the Art Council of
Fayetteville/Cumberland County has
teamed up with the Grandstand App
to provide attendees with the best
festival experience. Download the app
through your app store to find maps of
the performance areas, lists of vendors
and show times. e app lets you share
information through your social media
accounts, add to your list of events and
add events to your personal calendar
so you don't miss a single thing. It's
available for iPhones at https://itunes.
apple.com/us/app/grandstand-events/
id1196052305 and for Android devices
at https://play.google.com/store/apps/
details?id=com.grandstand.grandstand-
fa. For more information about the International
Folk Festival visit http://www.theinternationalfolk-
festival.com
Tour the entire world in a weekend at the International Folk Festival
LIZ BLEVINS
EVENT
e International Folk Festival is set for Sept. 28-29.
ELIZABETH BLEVINS,
Founder of HopeMills.net. COM-
MENTS? Editor@upandcomin-
gweekly.com. 910-484-6200.