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Experience some of the vibrant cultures of the world at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Multicultural Festival on Saturday, May 11, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at George Memorial Library, located at 1001 Golfview Drive in Richmond, Texas.

Sponsored by the Friends of the George Memorial Library, the Multicultural Festival celebrates the rich, cultural diversity of the county and of the people who reside in it. Featuring an exciting line-up of performances, artisans, games, crafts, and more, the festival will have free activities and fun for the whole family.

In addition to the exhibit areas, which can be visited throughout the festival, special performances will be featured in the Jodie E. Stavinoha Amphitheater:

• 10:30-11:30 am– “World Beats: Houston Parai Kuzhu and Joy of Djembe.” These drum ensembles will perform traditional rhythmic pieces representative of the cultures of south Asia and Africa. Learn about the history and cultural significance of these ancient instruments in this interactive event from these Garage Arts Project performance groups.
• 11:30 am-12:00 noon– Lamar Consolidated High School Mariachi Band will entertain the audience with traditional music of the Hispanic culture.

 12:00 noon-1:00 pm– Danzas Folkloricas de Solei – Ballet Folklorico. Performers, aged 4 to 18 years, will demonstrate folk dances of Latin America.

• 1:30-2:00 pm– “World Beats: Kaminari Taiko of Houston’s Thunderstudies.” Learn about the history and cultural significance of these rhythm instruments from Japan in this interactive event from this Garage Arts Project performance group.

“A Taste of African Heritage” – a cooking demonstration of African Diaspora cuisine – will take place from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, in the Meeting Room. Erica Knighton, from the Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension Office, will demonstrate how to cook dishes based on the healthy food traditions of people with traditional African roots, with influences from the cultures of the Caribbean, South America, and the southern states of the U.S.

From 12:00 to 12:30 pm, in Room 2C, discover the vibrant music, dancing, foods, culture, and history of Lebanon, presented by the American Lebanese Cultural Center. Sample popular Lebanese dishes or join in with a lively dabke dance demonstration!

From 12:45 to 1:30 pm, join in an interactive “Movement & Rhythm Exploration” session in the Bohachevsky Gallery on the lower level of the library. Performers from the Garage Arts Project will teach dance steps and explain the historical and cultural significance of the music and movements of Africa and India.

From 1:00 to 1:30 pm, discover the unique beauty and culture of India, from the serene snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the vibrant traditions, food, and dance of its people. This program, “Incredible India,” will be presented by Unite & Inspire, a nonprofit organization of volunteers who share their expertise with the community. This program will take place in Room 2C.

While in the Bohachevsky Gallery, visit the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation’s exhibit on the history of the Hispanic community in the area.

Stations representing cultures from around the world will be set up in the Lobby and the 2^nd-floor landing. Stop by the Japan America Society-Houston booth to join in the edamame chopstick challenge or be mesmerized by Max Nguyen’s origami skills at the Asian Pacific American Heritage Association table!

Visit the American Lebanese Cultural Center table, the Nigerian American Multicultural Council’s booth, or the Vietnamese Cultural and Science Association’s station for fascinating information on their culture, traditions, and fashion! The Fort Bend Museum and the Friends of the Library will also be represented in the exhibit areas.

Food trucks and music will add to the festive atmosphere in the parking lot of the library. Visitors are invited to enjoy their lunches and refreshments in the library’s outdoor amphitheater during the performances.

Garage Arts Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing an immersive platform for artists and audiences to foster creativity and goodwill, increase appreciation in the arts, and strive for better cultural understanding.

A complete schedule of events will be posted on the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) in May. For more information, call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).