More than 5,000 people are expected to attend Peoria’s celebration of cultural diversity at this year’s WorldFest, at the Civic Center on Saturday, September 8th.  Now in its ninth year, WorldFest was launched by the Civic Center Authority’s Cultural Diversity Committee to recognize the various nationalities in the Peoria area.

Held in conjunction with Youth Doing the Right Thing, WorldFest features live entertainment, wonderful ethnic food, cultural displays, a raffle, and unique items for sale at world market booths.

The opening ceremony includes a “Parade of Nations” with local dignitaries presiding, and representation from many cultures. Among those participating are Chinese American, American Indian, Indo-American, Irish American, Italian American, German American, Croatian American, Korean American, Lebanese American, Hispanic American, and Filipino-American groups.

For the nine consecutive years, the Philippines will be represented by the Filipino-American Society of Central Illinois (FASCI) at WorldFest.  Guests at the FASCI booths will be treated to exciting exhibits showcasing aspects of Filipino arts and culture. Among them are food products, native crafts made of bamboo, seashells, wood carvings (including a “Bahay Kubo” or nipa hut), dolls, and miniatures of Philippine modes of transportation like the jeepney, kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) and tricycle. In addition several traditional costumes like the “Maria Clara,” “Barong Tagalog,” “Mestiza” dress, “Balintawak,” and “terno” will be on display.

FASCI will also feature posters about the Philippines – historical and geographical sites, tourist spots, and biographical information on two of the country’s most renowned men: Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal, the national hero; and Manuel L. Quezon, “Father of the Philippine National Language” and the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.

A fashion show of a variety of Filipino costumes, a re-enactment of the time-honored “Santacruzan/Flores de Mayo” and a performance of folk dances will cap the FASCI presentation at the event.

WorldFest 2012 starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. on September 8th at the Peoria Civic Center, Exhibit Hall D, 201 SW Jefferson St, Peoria, IL. The Central Illinois Black Expo will be from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Exhibit Halls A and B.

Parking and admission are free.