Get Cultured

The Dead Milkmen, that highly satirical punk band, sang, “Dear, I think our new neighbors might be ethnic.” Zoo animals might be saying the same thing during this weekend’s 28th annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival in Swope Park (Meyer Boulevard and Swope Parkway).
An ever-successful event, the festival invites participants to experience different cultural traditions from all corners of the world. This year’s addition of eight new countries includes Cameroon, Bangladesh and Kenya, bringing the grand total of represented countries to 45. Each nation hosts its own food-and-wares booth, and a multicultural beer garden will offer every kind of imported brew imaginable. Another new addition is the International Youth Booth. Activities include crafting flags and Asian fans, and learning foreign-language words and phrases. This year’s featured entertainment includes the traditional Parade of Flags, Ole Music and Dance of Spain, plus 30-minute presentations by all ethnic groups at the festival. The festival is open today through Sunday. Admission is $3; children get in free. For times and entertainment schedules, see eeckc.org.

eeckc.org

Fri., Aug. 17, 6-10 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 18, 12-10 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 19, 12-6 p.m.