CultureFest is coming to downtown Oxford and organizers hope that all those who take part in the festivities will leave with a greater appreciation not just for diversity, but for all the things that different world cultures share in common.
“It’s back and bigger than ever,” said Ajulo Othow, one of those planning the event. Between the COVID-19 pandemic and a postponement from last fall because of an impending hurricane, the festival will resume for its second year in the Littlejohn parking lot in Oxford.
Oxford Mayor Jackie Sargent and Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen joined Othow on Monday’s TownTalk to discuss highlights of the festival, which will take place Saturday, May 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A variety of entertainment is scheduled each half hour, which Othow said represents cultures from around the globe. St. Cyprian’s African Drummer group kicks things off at 11 a.m., and Sergent said she plans to stick close to the stage so she can enjoy all the performers throughout the day.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn some new things…celebrate each other and learn commonalities,” Othow said. Her mother, the late Dr. Helen Othow, had the original vision for CultureFest. “I’m proud to be able to continue the work she started.”
The festival has taken on a larger community feel since it found its downtown spot, with collaborators including The John Chavis Society, the City of Oxford, Granville Tourism, Downtown Oxford Economic Development Commission, Granville Ed Foundation, Mary Potter Club, Granville Museum and NC Arts Council all contributing to the event.
“I am really proud of this particular festival,” Allen said, adding that she expects folks from outside Oxford and Granville County to come to the festival. “It’s an awesome time to invite people into Granville County,” she said, while uniting folks who already call Granville County home.
There will be food trucks, more than 20 vendors with crafts and more, as well as children’s activities and demonstrations like tortilla making and much more during the daylong festival, making it a real interactive event, Allen said.
“Many hands have gone into making this a successful celebration and a community event,” she added, and that she hopes it becomes a fixture among the city’s festivals.
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