MIDDFEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURES BOTSWANA – OCTOBER 1-2-3
Have a great time and share another culture at Middfest International in downtown Middletown. Come for the food, stay for the shows and absorb a little of the flavors of Botswana, a southern African nation.
Rain or shine, exhibits are inside the Middletown City Building, with entertainment and food on Donham Plaza – October 1-2-3.
Admission is $5 for adults, which is good for the entire weekend. Children 12 and under are admitted free.
Performances on the outdoor stage will feature groups from Botswana as well as local, regional and national performers in a variety of styles and sounds.
Experts from medicine, art, history, religion, food, science, crafts and other fields will share important aspects of the life and culture of Botswana. Many will offer demonstrations or conversations with anyone who cares to stop and talk.
Most people know Botswana from Alexander McCall Smith's series of novels (and the 2009 hit HBO series) called The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Join in the fun as the books come alive.
Browse the four-floor art and culture exhibit including images of the 100,000 year old rock paintings done by the San (Bushmen). Weavers from Botswana will demonstrate the art of basketweaving. Local Cincinnati pediatrician and artist Andrew Eckerle spent 18 months in Botswana working with AIDS patients. His photos of the people and places ofBotswana will be on display.
Botswana's rich wildlife, plant population and vast diamond reserves are protected through conservation and balance. See how they do it at the Science Exhibit and learn from Dr. John Rashford, a world-renowned expert on the baobob tree, why that particular unique tree is so important. Live animals will be featured too!
The Migration/Family Center is a special project created this year to study migration routes and histories of local African-American families. Several Middletown-area families have done DNA testing through The National Genographic Project to determine from where in Africa their ancestors came. The Migration/Family Center will also explore lives of African-Americans in America, looking at the importance of the Underground Railroad in this part of the country.
Visitors can browse the International Bazaar, with vendors selling items from around the world. A special Botswana Boutique selling unique jewelry and other handicrafts will be in the City Building.
Youth Park will feature a Safari Theme for kids with storytelling, face painting, live performances, crafts and more. Super Saturday is designed specifically for children. Registration for the October 2 event begins at 9 am. The program runs from 10am-noon. Admission is free.
Many events are scheduled in the week prior to Middfest weekend.
•Botswana Tea 'n Talk and Exhibit Opening is on Sunday, September 26.
•Performers and artists will travel to schools to share the culture of Botswana.
•Miami University Middletown will host a Botswana Day Celebration on Thursday, September 30.
•Middfest will host a Business Luncheon on Friday, October 1.
Middfest International is not just a festival...it's an international cultural event. Since 1981, Middfest has chosen a different country each year and taken an in-depth look at its culture. The result is a multi-faceted explanation of the country for people here in southwest Ohio in a fun, festive environment. We invite you to explore and celebrate Botswana!
