(Photo by Gwen Sour) The crowd at the 29th Mid-Ohio Valley Mutli-Cultural Festival watches Master Sen Gao perform a Chinese Sichuan Opera face-changing dance Friday evening.

BELPRE — The Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Cultural Festival returned for its 29th year with a vibrant celebration of global cultures, music, dance, food, and community spirit–this time at a new location, Civitan Park in Belpre.

The annual event, which began in 1996, has become a cornerstone of inclusivity and cultural appreciation in the region.

Organizers noted the venue change was due to ongoing renovations at Parkersburg’s City Park, where the event is typically held.

“It just wasn’t feasible to use the space this year,” said festival board member Joyce Arias. “But Civitan Park welcomed us, and we’re thrilled to be here.”

The festival kicked off with opening remarks honoring longtime contributors, including Gene Donaway and Bea Corra, who were instrumental in the event’s founding. A special tribute was given to the late Pastor Lisa Taylor of Parkersburg, a dedicated advocate for diversity and former leader of Parkersburg Urban Ministries.

(Photo by Gwen Sour) Master Sen Gao performs the traditional Chinese Sichuan Opera face-changing dance on Friday night.

Roger Sheppard emceed portions of the ceremony, celebrating the festival’s deep ties to the community and its mission. Local and regional leaders, including Belpre Mayor Susan Abdella, Washington County Commissioner Charlie Schilling, and Wood County Commissioner Blair Couch, welcomed attendees and praised the festival’s enduring impact.

“This is a space where you are welcome any time,” Abdella said. “We love having the community gather in our parks, and this event has brought so much joy and unity.”

The event offered a wide variety of entertainment reflecting traditions from around the world. Highlights included a traditional Chinese Sichuan Opera face-changing dance by Master Sen Gao, a Japanese fan dance, and performances from blues artist Shaun Booker.

The festival grounds buzzed with global flavors from food vendors offering Thai cuisine, wood-fired pizza, barbecue, and other international dishes. A free kids’ area featured crafts, storytelling, and cultural activities.

“We want children to explore culture in an engaging and accessible way,” said Arias.

(Photo by Gwen Sour) Victor Shaffer accepts a scholarship at the 29th Annual Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Cultural Festival on Friday night.

The festival also presented a scholarship to local student Victor Shaffer.

“This is a time to remember that we can always lean on each other,” Shaffer said. “There’s beauty in our differences, and we should open our hearts and minds to others.”

The Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Cultural Festival continues Saturday and Sunday with performances, workshops, and cultural exhibits. Organizers say they hope the festival remains a beacon for diversity and unity in the region for years to come.

“This is my favorite festival every year,” said Shepherd as he introduced the first act. “You’ll see performances here you won’t find anywhere else.”

Saturday Schedule:

(Photo by Gwen Sour0 Roger Sheppard welcomes attendees to the 29th Annual Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Cultural Festival on Friday evening in Belpre Civitan Park.

-11 a.m. – High Schools That Rock

-12:05 p.m. – Ilene Evans: Harriet Tubman Portrayal

-1:10 p.m. – Folkloric: European Dance

-1:45 p.m. – The Kells: Celtic Music

-3:25 p.m. – Allegro: Italian Dance

(Photo by Gwen Sour) Attendees to the 29th Mid-Ohio Valley peruse the vendor booths in Belpre’s Civitan Park on Friday evening.

-4:05 p.m. – Josh Donaway: Cover Band

-5 p.m. – Jensuya: Belly Dance

-5:50 p.m. – Folkloric: Israeli Dance

-6:30 p.m. – Grupo Fuego: Latin Dance

-8 p.m. – Wayward Dancers: Belly Dance

-8:30 p.m. – Mojo Flo: Neo-Funk Band

Sunday Schedule:

-12 p.m. – Interfaith Devotions

-12:15 p.m. – Professor Bubblemaker

-12:30 p.m. – Steve Free: Native American Music

-1:40 p.m. – Agate: African Drumming

-2:50 p.m. – Hula Dancers

-4 p.m. – OYO: Folk/Honku-Tonk/Rock Music