NORTHBOROUGH – Hundreds of people flocked to the Northborough Town Common on Saturday afternoon as the Northborough Cultural Council presented the fifth annual CultureFest celebration.
The event featured lively music and dancing, including performances from Rivers Between, Hit the Bus, T.B.A Big Band, the Boston Lykeion Ellinidon Troupe, Dhol Tasha Lezim, and Mavi Dance. Many attendees brought lawn chairs or blankets and set up near the stage to watch the performers.
The perimeter of the town common was lined with local art vendors. Several cultural organizations – ranging from singing groups to the Northborough Historical Society – also had booths at the event.
There was something for everyone at CultureFest. Children were involved in arts and crafts throughout the event, participating in the kids’ art booth and making chalk art around the common. Dozens of talented Melican Middle School students had their art displayed in an exhibit in the middle of the event.
High school students were also involved, creating public art displays, helping children with crafts and offering henna to passersby.
There was Indian music, American rock, and Greek dancers. CultureFest represented a true mixture and celebration of various cultures in Northborough.
“The focus has always been the music and dance of the different cultures represented in Northborough. Somewhere along the third year, someone thought we should represent the food of Northborough,” Northborough Cultural Council Secretary Suzanne Cox told the Community Advocate.
The food at the event was also multicultural. La Miette La Mai Thai Bistro and Northborough House of Pizza were well enjoyed by attendees. Juniper Hills Ice Cream Truck also set up at the event.
The council set up a booth at the center of the event with information about their organization. According to its website, the council “grant[s] funds to art, humanities, and interpretative science projects in their… community.” Information on how to apply for grants was available at the booth.
“That’s what it’s about – it’s creating fun and connecting the organizations in the community with the resources we have,” council Chair Terry Underwood said. “You’re among friends here – there’s a lot of creative people… It’s a ‘we,’ it’s not ‘you’ or ‘me’”
The council’s previous project – the Go Out Doors exhibit – was also on display. After several months on display at Ellsworth McAfee Park, several intricately decorated doors were auctioned off. The doors, once sent for scrap, were vibrantly painted by local artists.
State Rep. Kate Donaghue (D – Westborough) stopped by the event.
“It was great. It was fun seeing all the dancers,” she said. “It was nice to see the spontaneous cross-culture cooperation.”
Information about the council can be found here.
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