By Melanie S. Mosshart<\/strong> The seventh annual Kent International Festival returns to the ShoWare Center on Saturday.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The free festival offers a full day of entertainment, food and fun that celebrates Kent’s cultural diversity.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The festival kicks off with the Generations of Cultural Diversity at 9:30 a.m., when participants show off traditional dress as the parades goes around the ShoWare Center and leads attendees into the venue.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The festival returns to the inside main stage for singing, dancing and music. Nine local restaurants will represent the exotic food court. Smaller stages will show off storytelling, cultural history and more entertainment.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n In addition, there will be an array of cultural booths to visit, where attendees can get their Kent International Passport stamped to earn surprises at the end of their “worldly tour.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The day also features diverse entertainment from countries around the globe, a hand-held float building contest by local high school students and a grand finale with the Best of the Best in Entertainment.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n A World Dance Party is set for the Plaza Stage at 5 p.m. A finale concert and hand carried float contest’s final five presentations on the Arena Stage is from 7 to 10 p.m.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
For the Kent Reporter<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n