by Shawn Nowlin
It’s not every day that an opportunity to experience a glimpse of the world comes to the Star City.
Elmwood Park, a hub of cultural celebrations, took center stage last Saturday for the annual Local Colors Festival. Now in its 32nd year, the free event celebrates international diversity by fostering the values of equity, inclusion, and multicultural understanding.
An estimated 8,000 people attended this year’s event, including a record number of vendors, festival goers, and performers. Between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., more than four dozen countries were showcased. The festival began with a parade representing every present country. Ukraine, which has fought for its independence for well over a year now, received a standing ovation from the hundreds who attended.
Every year, festival organizers work tirelessly to ensure that a quality product is put on full display. On the importance of creating a better understanding and appreciation of different cultures, Local Colors Executive Director Lisa Spencer said, “So much diversity exists here in the Roanoke Valley. People indeed want to honor their cultural heritage, but above all, people want to feel seen and represented. With the performances, vendors, and parade, approximately 60 countries were represented.”
Music, dance, and art all have a way of bringing people together. Among those who graced Saturday’s stage were Carol Joy and the TriColor Band, Dream Dance Fitness, SW Virginia Ballet, Association of Ama People, Shaolin Dragons, and Hill & Veil Belly Dancing.
WDBJ7 Anchor Isabelle Ledonne served as the stage emcee. “I knew this would be a great opportunity for me to connect with some of our community members. This was my first festival experience and I had planned on attending anyway,” she said. “I was a little nervous with the timing of everything, but those jitters didn’t last long. I had an amazing time and look forward to attending next year’s event.”
No Local Colors Festival would be complete without attendees purchasing trinkets from different countries and sampling international foods. “There is a reason why Local Colors has such a great reputation, not just here in the community, but across the entire Commonwealth,” Jahleik Carr said. “I can’t think of a better way to bring people of different backgrounds together to laugh and fellowship.”
The inaugural festival occurred at the Roanoke Farmers Market in 1990. The individual credited for starting Local Colors, Pearl Fu, was passionate about promoting a better understanding between people of different cultures throughout the Roanoke Valley.
During those days, Fu would approach individuals from other countries to learn their stories and encourage them to share them in the festival if they felt comfortable enough doing so. After the organization attained independent non-profit status in 2005, Fu became its Executive Director. Upon retiring in 2014, Beth Lutjen succeeded her, holding the position for five years. Spencer, who previously worked as a grants administrator for Volunteers of America Texas, has occupied the position ever since.
More than just an annual festival, Local Colors embraces culture year-round in the community with various events for all ages. For the most up-to-date information, visit localcolors.org.
