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29th annual Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Culture Fest kicks off Friday at Civitan Park

By Gwen Sour 3 min read

BELPRE -- The 29th annual Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Cultural Festival opened Friday evening at Civitan Park, bringing food, vendors, music and cultural education to the Belpre riverfront.

Lisa Collins welcomed attendees during the opening ceremony, which began with the national anthem performed by Zoe King of Williamstown High School and an invocation from the Rev. Steve Peck, a priest in the Catholic Universalist Church.

Belpre Mayor Susan Abdella welcomed the festival back to the city for its second year at Civitan Park.

"Good evening, and welcome to Belpre and to Civitan Park," Abdella said. "We're so honored that you all chose to come back to Belpre for your festival. It's a beautiful spot. It's a great park, and it's wonderful for us to have you all in our community."

Jennifer Randolph, a marketing volunteer for the festival, said the festival's goal is to remain free and accessible while exposing area residents to different cultures.

"Our big thing is that we always want to be a free festival, and our goal is to bring multicultural awareness to our small, sheltered area," Randolph said. "A lot of children don't get, and a lot of adults don't get, that exposure to other cultures because they maybe don't have the funds to travel to museums or events."

Randolph said the festival gives families an opportunity to learn about other cultures through food, performances, vendors and entertainment.

The festival has been held in Belpre for two years because of construction at Parkersburg City Park, Randolph said. She said some attendees have said they enjoy the Civitan Park location, though the festival has a long history in Parkersburg.

"We have a lot of people tell us that they really enjoy it here, but that's also kind of our history and our home," Randolph said. "So, not sure yet."

The opening ceremony also included recognition of sponsors and festival board members. Collins said sponsors' support reflects the importance of inclusion and respect in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Randolph said culture at the festival is broadly represented and not limited to race or national origin. She estimated more than 30 cultures are represented through performers, vendors and other groups.

"Culture is not just related to race or international origin or anything," Randolph said. "Culture is just what you define it within your group."

Local businesses and vendors were also part of the festival opening. JD Nicolais, owner of Paranormal Peppers, a local hot sauce company, said his business participates in festivals throughout the region, including events tied to Mothman and other folklore.

"We like making sauces, we like doing weird festivals," Nicolais said. "This one's kind of mellow for us, but we're locals."

Mitchell White, a volunteer and community service worker with Recovery Point, said he spent Friday helping prepare the festival grounds.

"We just set up all the tents and set up the stage, helped all the vendors just set up everything, carry everything they needed," White said.

Collins officially declared the festival open at the end of the ceremony, encouraging visitors to explore the food, vendors and entertainment.

"Go find some amazing food and some incredible vendors, and enjoy a beautiful weekend celebrating diversity in the Mid-Ohio Valley," Collins said.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com

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