The fifth annual Small World Festival will be from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Amphitheater at Bryant Commons.
The festival will feature a world marketplace, international food court and entertainment. The official welcome ceremony starts at 11:30 a.m.
New to this year’s lineup are The Geechee Gullah Ring Shouters, a group that highlights the history and traces the heritage of African-American culture in the deep South.
One Nation Under Praise, Conjunto Folklorico Orgullo Panameno, Grupo Son Del Coqui, Island Rhythms Caribbean Association’s Errol “Trini” Brown, Hispanic Heritage and Hispanic Heritage Club all will return to the stage this year.
The festival will conclude with a performance by Puerto Rican band Grupo Son Del Coqui and a dance party on the amphitheater lawn.
The international food court will offer authentic cuisine from Jamaica, old-fashioned Southern barbecue, German kettle corn and more.
The world marketplace will offer guests a chance to shop for arts and crafts.
“Hinesville and Liberty County have very strong cultural roots and this event is a great way for everyone to come together and celebrate their backgrounds,” Hinesville Downtown Development Authority program assistant Katrina Barrow said.
“The Small World Festival in Hinesville was held in the 1980s and ’90s in celebration of the numerous countries and cultures represented in the area, many of which come to the community by way of military personnel who have traveled the world, have international family members and even represent various cultures themselves,” said Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas, who encouraged the HDDA to bring the event back to the community.
The 2013 Small World Festival is sponsored by Hinesville Downtown Development Authority, the Liberty County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Fort Stewart’s Family, Moral, Welfare and Recreation office.
For event and volunteer information, call Barrow at 877-4332 or email discoverdowntown@coastalnow.net.