Main Avenue was alive with the sights and sounds of the world Saturday as the first Multi-Cultural Festival took over the street.
Abraham Lincoln, or at least a close facsimile, and his wife, Mary Todd, walked through downtown in full 1800 period dress stopping for pictures along the way.
A celebration of ethnicity and history was the focal point of the all-day event that drew hundreds of people to the downtown area for what organizers hope will be an annual event.
Dozens of booths lined Main Avenue providing ample opportunity for area residents to experience the cultural and food options available from all over the world.
Indian cuisine and African American soul food stood side by side as actors provided short skits along Main Avenue for those attending the festival.
“It (the event) started with a need to elevate the confidence level of people in Ashtabula County,” said Marty Cephas who chaired a committee of about 20 people that pulled off the event in about four and a half months.
More than 20 nationalities and cultures were represented in a variety of ways ranging from Japanese dancers to gospel music.
David Jakupka was in full German dress representing the International Center For Environmental Arts in Cleveland. He said it is important for parents to open their children to the world.
“In 100 years how you cut your grass isn’t going to matter, but what you teach your kids (will),” he said of the importance of sharing culture and tradition.
“It starts from within us,” Cephas said of the need for the community to come together. She said the idea was first floated last fall.
The committee began working in March to make the dream a reality. “It was a monumental task,” Cephas said. She said there were numerous partnering businesses and organizations that helped make the day a reality.
The event kicked off with a parade to Lance Cpl. Kevin Cornelius Memorial Park and continued throughout the day with many dancers, singers and actors providing entertainment.
The parade included a police, fire and ambulance escort followed by an American Legion honor guard. A variety of nations were represented in the parade including Mexico, northern Europe and Native American.
“This is going to be an annual event,” Cephas said. She said the committee has already learned ways to improve the event for next year.
She said it is important that downtown Ashtabula is an integral part of the community.
“It’s awesome for us to get out and experience different people in Ashtabula and meet the melting pot it is,” said Ashtabula resident Tank Johnson.
Charles Brukett, a relative of Cephas, came to Ashtabula to support the event and enjoyed the stores along Main Avenue. “I’ve never been in downtown Ashtabula,” the Cleveland resident said.
Entertainment was running almost constantly at two stages spread throughout downtown. The stage at Lance Cpl. Kevin Cornelius Memorial Park and a portable stage on Main Avenue, near KeyBank, were the hot spots throughout the day.
Volunteers worked with police to provide security along Main Avenue and collect garbage all day long. Main Avenue was blocked to traffic for the entire day.
