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CAPTION: Gabrielle Wigchert, 4, stops by a booth at the Cultural Fair Saturday and learns about musical instruments of southern Africa. She also had the opportunity to make her own musical instrument. Children stopping by this booth could decide what sound they wanted to make with their instruments by choosing from different sizes of beans, popcorn or rice. The booth was provided by Judy Miller, who grew up in Zimbabwe. She was the daughter of missionaries and spent about 20 years there. The children could also decorate their instruments by replicating patterns often used in south Africa.

C-T Photo / Catherine Stortz Ripley

People of all ages and from different walks of life gathered at Simpson Park for the Cultural Fair Saturday. For some people, the day offered an opportunity to share information about their native cultures. For others, it was a time for learning something new about the world in which they live. The fair — now in its second year — celebrates the diversity of Livingston County. Its goal is to expand the community’s knowledge and appreciation of diversity of cultures and background of Chillicothe and the surrounding area, according to event spokesperson Genie Amen-Ewing. The day opened with a parade of flags with children dressed in native costumes and carrying a flag of the country they represented.

Throughout the park, there were a number of booths and cultural displays. Entertainment included the Mic-O-Say Dancers, Grand River Harmony Chorus, Peppy Promenaders, The Sunshiners, and storyteller Brother John with his interactive dialog about black cowboy history and traditions. Local craft artists displayed interactive activities with quilts, knitting and jewelry, as well as llama wool spinning, knitting, and water color painting. Genealogists were also available for researching family origins on site. The Cultural Fair is a project of the Livingston County C2000 Team and promoted through the Grand River YMCA.

CAPTION: A young child learns about Ukraine crafts while attending the Livingston County Cultural Fair at Simpson Park Saturday afternoon. A number of countries were represented throughout the park as the fair provided opportunities for sharing and learning through the use of displays, hands-on activities for children, and a number of demonstrations.

C-T Photo / Catherine Stortz Ripley