PORTAGE COUNTY CULTURAL FESTIVAL (PCCF)

This annual event draws approximately 10,000 people to the Stevens Point High School where a vast number of cultures share their history and climate. The 21st annual festival seemed to be no different. Today even in the cold and biting wind with occasional sleet, people flocked to enjoy the presentations, kids activities, and displays from a variety of cultures. I believe it speaks something really good about our central Wisconsin community.

CLICK HERE to enjoy the beat of the drums.

Children love all of the activities that help them stretch their cultural expertise.

CLICK HERE to see one of the entertainers who was performing on the children's stage.

Japanese flower arrangements brought back memories of when I studied "ikebana" while in Japan.

Food sales from many countries tempt visitors. The man on the right is trying to fill his "passport" with stamps from the booths. There's a prize for filled passports.

Karol and Nancy are not planning an escape (ladder). They're just friends who are chatting about the food that is being served in the Senegalese booth where Nancy is volunteering. Her daughter and son-in-law served as Wycliffe Bible translators in Senegal for many years.

Native dress is customary at this cultural event. It is the best event each year in Stevens Point to show the diversity that exists in our community.

Ribs and fried chicken bones litter the plates of these two hungry gentlemen. The food IS good!

Pam and Jose Murillo. Jose is from Costa Rico. Pam is a Spanish language teacher at one of our junior high schools. We've gotten to know them and their two children through their volunteering at Peace Campus Center.

 CLICK HERE to see one of the most common types of music in central Wisconsin.

The Kenyan table sold beautiful jewelry.

Are Germans always into little houses covered by snow?

The largest new culture group in Stevens Point are the Hmong. They have made a significant dent in our community, especially in the area of agriculture. Over half of the vendors at the farmer's market on the square are Hmong.