Bigger-than-ever Bowie International Festival Saturday By CHRISTINA BLAKENEY Staff Writer
The city of Bowie is again proud to represent a diverse culture of people from different backgrounds who offer unique customs, delicious cuisine, and bring various traditions to the city.
This year's Bowie International Festival includes a variety of music, dancing, arts and crafts, children's games, vendors, cuisine, and even more for your family and friends.
The festival takes place Saturday at Allen Pond Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Matt Corley, special events coordinator for the city, said, "We had one band last year, and this year we have three bands. It's going to be bigger than before."
Entertainment includes reggae, East and West African music, Caribbean music and Celtic music to name just a few, all represented by the three main bands and other musicians.
"This is going to be a lot of fun for the people of this great community," said Corley. "For example, on the boathouse stage we have the reggae band, on the amphitheater stage we have The Afro-floetry Band and they do a combination of African music, poetry and dance and they represent East Africa. This music is indigenous to that region in the continent."
All bands will play anywhere from a half-hour to an hour throughout the day.
In addition to the music, there's plenty of food to enjoy and a variety of activities and unique experiences, like the strolling musician, who will be wandering throughout the festival from 2 to 4 p.m. He'll entertain by playing an instrument that is said to be an ancestor of the banjo that derives from West Africa, according to Corley.
Cheick Hamala Diabate is known as the modern day griot and master of the ngoni, Corley added.
And if you have no idea how to pronounce those terms, or know what they are, you'll just have to come out to the festival, and gain some music education, learn to folk dance and play a fun mix of children's games from various cultures. There's also an international pen pal drive, and of course, several arts and crafts vendors who will offer handmade items for all ages including jewelry, purses, belts and clothing from around the world.
Bowie's International Festival is "definitely something you do not want to miss," said Corley, especially the Parade of Cultures, which begins around 1 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the city of Bowie and the International Festival Committee.
