World of Montgomery: Fun for the Whole Family (PHOTOS)

A festival in Wheaton where attendees can visit China, El Salvador, Ethiopia, India, among others: the World of Montgomery is back to celebrate the diverse cultural heritages in Montgomery County.

It is the event’s sixth anniversary, and will showcase the county’s diversity through food, music, dance, arts, and do-it-yourself projects for the whole family.

“The theory is trying to bring everybody together,” said Bruce Adams, director of the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships and former County Councilmember. 

In the late 80s and early 90s, Adams used to attend the Ethnic Heritage Festival that happened in county, and thought that the event was an eye opening experience.

“I thought it [the event] was so great,” Adams said.

Later on Adams finds out, after taking the position to work at the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships, that the festival did not happen anymore and thought “No way. … That was such a fantastic event.”

So, in 2008 Adams and many partners worked together to bring the festival back to life with a new name, more entertainment, food, and crafts. The director wanted to showcase culture and heritage as a way to educate families and the children that Montgomery County is a place that welcomes everybody.

“I felt this should be education as well. … I wanted everybody to taste the food … but let’s lead all the kids of Montgomery County to understand that’s the world they are going to live in,” Adams said.

According the event’s website, attendees will be able to experience the cultures and traditions of many cultures when they walk through the International Village– a place to practice Chinese Calligraphy, make traditional El Salvadoran art, get a henna tattoo, get some traditional Ethiopian coffee and much more.

The parade will begin at 1 p.m. featuring different groups in the area.

Last year more than 8,000 people attended the event, and this year’s organizers are expecting many more.

Good to know:

Where: Westfield Wheaton (Wheaton Plaza), 11160 Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton.

When: October 19.

Time: Noon to 5 p.m.

Admission: Free.

About Aline Barros

Aline Barros is a multimedia reporter and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She can be reached at Abarros@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter at @AlineBarros2.

View all posts by Aline Barros