Thousands gathered Friday, Aug. 29, and Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Belvedere to recognize Louisville’s international community at the sixth annual WorldFest.
This year’s theme, “A World of Performances,” featured food and music, while 567 people gained US citizenship.“It was amazing… all these people becoming official citizens of America right here for the whole town to watch and celebrate,” Billy Seckman said. “Everyone from such different backgrounds can get together and have a good time, right here on the river for free.”
Seckman, Master Roaster for Java Brewing Co., helped run several “coffee cuppings” Friday and Saturday at the company’s pavilion. Attendees participated in a coffee-tasting, learned how the coffee is made and watched as Seckman roasted several batches.
For those not interested in how to get the most out of their coffee could pick other beverages from the Budweiser Bier Garten and the Diageo Wine & Spirits stand. Hundreds of booths lined the outskirts of each stage providing glimpses into several local business’s and international communities.
Music from many different bands, nationally and locally, played from open to close each day, culminating in an hour-and-a-half performance from the Glengarry Bhoys, a Celtic-rock band from Glengarry, Canada.
A multi-cultured crowed jigged in front of the main stage as the Glengarry boys, kilts and all, played original and traditional Irish and Scottish songs.
“The city has a good thing going here,” Josh Anna, 22, said. “Within the last two hours I had the opportunity to hear a lot of good music, drink some good booze and try some food I’ve never heard of… and I saw a white guy with dreads (Michael Scott, lead guitarist for the Ark band) rip the sickest reggae solo ever.”
By HUNTER EMBRY
Staff Writer
ahembry@ius.edu