Children and families are invited back to the annual International Heritage Festival on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Modesto Graffiti USA Car Museum located at 610 N. 9th St., in Modesto. The free fun starts at 10 a.m., and there’s an opening ceremony at 11 a.m. which includes a colorful display of flags and participants in beautiful international dress. Emerging professional singer Rosa Aranda from Opera Modesto will perform the National Anthem.

A variety of dance and music demonstrations and performances are scheduled during the festival. Among the performances scheduled are Ballet Folklorico Los Falcones, Scandinavian dance demonstration with Judy Kropp, and salsa and bachata lessons with Carlos Molina. Dr. Al Chemist is also scheduled for a fun and unique science presentation that will amaze children and adults.

The Kids World craft area will continue to feature many make-and-take crafts and the popular passport coloring books for kids to collect stickers and stamps from the heritage displays which represent countries from around the world.

Festival organizers are excited to bring the Festival back and collaborate with the Car Museum. Due to the pandemic, there has not been a Festival since 2019. Last year a drive-through event was held and craft kits were distributed. This year’s focus is on rebuilding the event.

The 29th International Heritage Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event showcases the kaleidoscope of international heritages from the local area and celebrates a shared American heritage. For more information, call (209) 809-4741 or visit www.facebook.com/events/618808479657665/.

The all-volunteer, non-profit International Festival Committee organizes the event. The event is made possible through generous sponsorships from E&J Gallo Winery, KRVR and KVIN radio stations, a previous COVID non-profit grant through the Stanislaus Community Foundation and Stanislaus County, and the participation of local businesses, organizations and volunteers.