A Trip Around the World in One Day: America’s Global Village Festival in Ontario, Oregon

Where in the world could you get your passport stamped numerous times in one single day and experience various cultures over a five hour period of time? Well, that would be in Ontario, Oregon.

Each year on the first Saturday of June, Ontario beckons curious souls to “walk the world” during their America’s Global Village Festival in Lion’s Park. You, your friends and family are invited to fly around the globe in one packed day.

Ontario’s fertile soil and proximity to the Snake River, the largest tributary of the Columbia River, was once inhabited by the Shoshone and Bannock tribes where fishing was plentiful and crops flourished. This highly productive land attracted Oregon Trail settlers as well as people from all over the globe due to its abundance of labor opportunities, farming and gold. Immigrants of many descents made their way to this beautiful land. On any given day, Japanese and Chinese immigrants worked the mines and built railroads, Mexican and Basque immigrants ranched the land and Scottish immigrants farmed the rich soils.

From the early days of settlement, the diverse population that rose from the intertwining of many cultures in Ontario created a unique residential arena: instead of drawing lines between cultures, the townspeople of yesteryear embraced each other’s celebrations and different lifestyles. This sentiment can be experienced still today.

America’s Global Village Festival started as a fundraiser for Ontario’s Four Rivers Cultural Center and quickly grew into the colorful and energetic event that you’ll find today. From traditional dress dances to citizenship celebrations to tasty bites from around the world, the event is packed to the brim with memorable experiences. Kids are especially fond of such things as Japanese Taiko Drummers and Scottish Bagpipers as well as snacking on things they have never tasted before.

Travelers will be enticed to become a yearly participant. From Native American regalia to highland games, you’ll be swept up in a whirlwind of cultures that will leave an indelible impression. This is what dreams are made of, right? Many people leave so energized that they begin longing for next year as soon as they hit their car to return home.

A typical “passport” of events can include such experiences as:

• Citizenship ceremony
• Parade/Opening Ceremony
• Native American Dancers
• Boise Highlanders Scottish Bagpipers
• Grupo Folklorico
• Danza Azteca Tonatiuh
• Killarney Dance Group
• Los Viejitos de Michoacan
• Scandifolk Dance Group
• Four Rivers School
• Los Morros del Rancho
• Closing Ceremony

Make a weekend of your time there and explore Ontario’s plethora of parks and trails that satisfy even the most discerning recreational enthusiasts. In addition to Lion’s Park where the festival is held, check out Alameda Park and Beck-Kiwanis Park if strolling suits you, and for the more adventurous kind, there is quick access to the nearby Owyhee Canyonlands and Snake River. What better way to savor next day effects of the festival than taking a walk in the woods, hiking in the mountains or floating in the river?

Ontario’s diversely cultural beginnings extend into their restaurant scene as well with broad culinary offerings. From Thai to Mexican to Italian and on to sandwich shops to burger joints to steak houses, Ontario has a lot to bring to your table. Or stop by one of their delis and pack a picnic to enjoy in the scenic surroundings. You might find yourself wanting to extend your stay. And guess what? You’d be encouraged to do so.

While in Ontario, stop by the Four Rivers Cultural Center where a steady and rich program of educational experiences include concerts, lectures, historical events and much more. You can also see Hikaru Mizu, the only Japanese Garden found within a 400 miles radius. If expanding cultural horizons is a priority for you, this center will serve that bill, especially noted by their motto: “Culture & Diversity are Part of a Healthy Community”.

Ontario’s mission is “to create a healthy, safe, diverse, and prosperous city by engaging community members to develop an enriched quality of life” and America’s Global Village Festival wholeheartedly represents the welcoming values of this town. So grab your camera, bring a satchel for goodies to be found and let your curiosity run amok: you are going on a trip around the world all in one day in one of America’s most diverse small towns.

For more information, see the event “America’s Global Village Festival” Facebook page.

 

 

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