Coordinated in partnership with the Chattanooga Market and Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce’s International Business Council will co-host Chattanooga’s 13th annual Culture Fest, the area’s showcase of international communities and largest annual celebration of local cultures.
More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the event, which will take place Sunday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. at the First Tennessee Pavilion. Admission is free.
Featured activities and entertainment will include live performances from local cultural groups, a Parade of Nations, a multicultural fashion show, a dance contest and an exhibition of culturally-themed art. Additional opportunities to learn about other cultures will be presented at 20 display booths coordinated by local ethnic organizations, where sample foods from various countries will be offered periodically throughout the day.
"As part of our guiding efforts to bridge cultural differences and cultivate a high quality of life for international businesspeople in Chattanooga, the International Business Council is proud to partner with the Chattanooga Market and Allied Arts in celebrating the many vibrant communities of culture in our area,” said Gladys Pineda-Loher, business diversity coordinator for the Chattanooga Chamber. “We view Culture Fest as an excellent opportunity to bring diverse business leaders, organizations and communities together to learn about what makes each of our cultures distinctive while celebrating the lives we all share here in Chattanooga.”
Allied Arts will support Culture Fest by hosting an arts competition and providing monetary prizes for outstanding candidates in the following categories:
Best visual art piece
Best delegation in the Parade of Nations
Best cultural display booth
Most authentic dress in the multicultural fashion show
Best cultural performance
“Allied Arts passionately believes that the arts are for all,” said Dan Bowers, president of Allied Arts. “We are very pleased to be a part of Culture Fest and celebrate our community’s rich diversity through arts and culture.”
The event will kick off with an opening ceremony featuring representatives from the Chattanooga Chamber’s newly-established International Ambassadors network. Comprised of 137 contacts representing 45 countries and 26 languages, these local leaders will serve as a translation and cultural etiquette resource to community leaders working to promote regional economic development.
Culture Fest attendees will have the opportunity to make direct contact with the various ethnic organizations and cultural groups that are joining the International Business Council in its efforts to cultivate global mindsets in the Chattanooga community.
“As an organization devoted to enhancing local life and small business development, the Chattanooga Market is delighted to collaborate with the International Business Council and Allied Arts in celebrating the diverse cultures that so deeply enrich our area,” said Paul Smith, general manager of the Chattanooga Market. “We expect Chattanooga’s 13th annual Culture Fest to be a very memorable occasion, and we’re looking forward to providing the venue and working with our partners to bring this event to the community.”
To reserve a booth at the event, contact Paul Smith at paul.smith@chattanoogamarket.org. For more information about Culture Fest or the Chattanooga Chamber’s International Business Council, contact Gladys Pineda-Loher at 763-4345 or gpineda-loher@chattanoogachamber.com.
Order of events by location
EPB Stage
11 a.m. Musical performance by Mexican vocalist El Potrillo
11:30 a.m. Dance performance by the Indian Association of Chattanooga
12-12:45 p.m. Belly dance performance by Zanzibar Studio
1-1:45 p.m. Fashion show featuring traditional dress
2-2:25 p.m. Mediterranean dance performance by Raqetts
2:30-2:55 p.m. Tai Ji demonstration
3-3:30 p.m. Ballet performance by Mexican Balley Folclórico de Dalton
3:40-4:10 p.m. Dance performance by Filipino-American Association of Greater Chattanooga
4:20-4:50 p.m. Dance performance by Peruvian Association of Chattanooga
Plaza Stage (outside)
11-11:30 a.m. Native American dance performance
11:40 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Performance by Peruvian Association of Chattanooga
12:20-12:50 p.m. Press conference for upcoming Guatemalan soccer match (Reynaldo Navia y Sus Amigos vs. Xelaju to be held at Finley Stadium Oct. 14)
1 p.m. Mawre & Co. – African dance and drumming, and African American dance
2-2:45 p.m. Parade of Nations
3 p.m. Merrybellies belly dance performance
4 p.m. Brazilian dance performance