More than 400 dancers from eight countries will arrive Saturday in Springville to participate in what has become one of the largest international folk dance festivals in the country.
The 1992 Springville World Folkfest will run through next week and features dancers from China, France, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Tahiti and the United States. Dancers will perform in native costumes to live music at eight different performances. The music will be provided by musicians who travel with the dancing groups."It's a real opportunity to see people who represent different cultures in a good light," said Fritz Boyer, World Folkfest chairman.
The World Folkfest began in 1986 with performances in Ogden, Salt Lake City and Springville. In 1987 the Folkfest made Springville its official home. More than 250,000 people have attended the Folkfest over the years, and this year's attendance is expected to exceed 50,000.
For the first time, the Folkfest will be at the Spring Acres Arts Park, located north of Springville High School in southeast Springville. The park was completed last fall, and festival officials plan to make it the Folkfest's permanent home. Booths at the park will sell food and souvenirs from participating countries.
While the Folkfest provides good family entertainment, the goal of the festival is to foster love, understanding and friendship among people from all parts of the world, Boyer said.
"Because of the misunderstandings that have occurred among people of different races this year, more than ever we have the opportunity to understand the world and its different cultures through folk dancing."
Families who host dancers say the experience is one they never forget. They join the dancers in picnics, parties, recreation activities and in visiting Utah County's tourist attractions. The friendships developed during the Folkfest continue long after the festival is over.
"People hosting dancers have an exciting experience of learning firsthand about other countries," said Colleen Drollinger, member of the World Folkfest Committee.
Tickets for nightly performances are on sale now at $6 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and $3 for children. Group rates are also available. For more information, call the World Folkfest office, 489-3657.