The Kent International Festival is occurring this Saturday for the fourth year as part of the city’s Sister Cities Association.

The festival is a celebration of the cultural diversity represented in the community and its residents. Kent School District has over 126 languages spoken alone. The festival occurs in the month of June and is part of the Sister Cities Association.

In response to this local growth, a group of organizations and businesses organize this event to showcase the region’s talent. The Festival incorporates ethnic dance, musical performances, spectacular native attire, arts and crafts booths and authentic cuisine.

The event features live entertainment all day including music, dancing, drumming, and a fashion show. There will be an International Taste of Kent Food Court with food from six Kent restaurants that include Kenyan, Indian, Irish, Mediterranean, Thai and Mexican.  Food tickets $4 for sample.  Staffing with volunteers from Kent’s Neighborhood Councils.

There are 30 cultural and informational booths with Passport Program for youth and young at heart to participate in cultural activities. A Pre Festival “International Children’s Walk” occurs at 9:30 a.m. at from the City Hall to the park. Children, grandchildren and adults are invited to dress in clothes reflecting their heritage or of their choice. The walk will follow a bag piper to the Plaza to kickoff the 2012 Festival.

Entertainment will occur on two stages to ensure non-stop performances from 10 am to 6 pm.

At 7 p.m.,  The Kent International Festival Dance Party will begin.  This all age dance will feature choreographed instruction to learn African and

The festival is from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Kent’s Town Square Plaza at the corner of Smith and Second Avenue (across from Kent Library). Admission is free.

For more information, visit www.KentInternationalFestival.com.