Middfest (Local Attraction Article)

By: Brittany Shuler MIDDFEST is Middletown, Ohio's largest annual event. Once a year, people from all over the state come together in Middletown to celebrate and experience different cultures. The first MIDDFEST was in 1981, making this the 30th anniversary. Typically, MIDDFEST celebrates and recognizes a different country every year. But this year, being the anniversary, they have chosen 35 countries to recognize. MIDDFEST has also changed its location from downtown Middletown to MIAMI UNIVERSITY! That's right your university hosts this large and extravagant event. It is always a must see for all ages and cultures. There were all aspects of each culture on display at MIDDFEST. Everything from dancing, arts, crafts, culture educations, a 5k marathon and yes FOOD! This event was a great way to come out and support your school and experience 35 different cultures all in one weekend. This past weekend local businesses, scholars, vendors and performers from all cultures gathered at Miami University in Middletown, Ohio to celebrate Middfest. The universitys main street was filled with local restaurants offering a wide variety of foods. Mocking Bird caf was on site with multi-cultural soups and drinks and The Fudge Queen with European style fudge. Keith Gawain BBQ slow cooked and prepared in Indian, Polynesian, Hawaiian style and China Rainbow. Other restaurants on site included England cuisine by D-Fish D Chicken, Jays Grill with German and European style foods, Vera Cruz Mexican cuisine and Creole Shiska Haus. Various other vendors were on site serving funnel cakes and fried foods. Finkle auditorium was the host of the performers for the weekend. This years Middfest was proud to welcome our own, Middle town Dance Academy, Thomas Stanghelle and the

Mongolian Children Dancers. DC. Films were also shown in Gardner- Harvey Library throughout Saturday and Sunday. A few of the featured films included Some Sunny Night, Journey of Hope and Divided We Fall. Vendors were located in Johnstons main hall. Vendors from multiple cultures had contents of their cultures on display and available for purchase. Beautiful, one of a kind bags, clothing, shoes and jewelry were among the items available for purchase. I, myself, purchased five bracelets! This years Middfest also featured various speakers all weekend. Two keynote speakers at the event were Miamis own professors, Dr. David Adams and Dr. Laura Neack. Adams spoke about The Culture of Peace and Mrs. Neack on The UN in peace and War. Most lecture topics revolved around the United Nations, peace, war and sustainable communities. Later Saturday evening the event hosted a mock United Nations meeting and held debates. The speakers were enlightening and extremely informative. Middfest is hosted, held, feed, entertained and educated locally. I was amazed when I realized all the cultures that were present within the local community. Middletown, Butler County, and surrounding area citizens should continue to attend this event and show their support. Very few cities get the opportunity to hold events like this one. It is a great honor and a wonderful way to give back to the cultures within the communities.