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The day began with a salute to America provided by the American Legion Post #271, Boy Scout Troop #34, and the Lucky 13, a singing group lead by Dave Stumo.

Children had a chance to pet the animals at a petting zoo, see a puppet show by Grace United Methodist Church, paint a masterpiece under the supervision of the Consortium of Creative Arts, and play Mexican bingo with Maria Thompson.

The main stage featured seven ethnic acts, ranging from a magician to fiddlers, bagpipes to accordions, Mexican folklore dancers to Irish step dancing. More than 350 festival goers were treated to drawings for door prizes and approximately 250 toured the museum at the reduced rate of $1.

A food tent provided free samples of elk burgers, fish tacos, jambalaya, Italian sodas, Mexican salsa, fry bread, and brats.

This year, a contest for the best ethnic costume for adults and children was held. The adult winner was Dorothy Hendrickson (Norway). Because there were no entries in the adult male contest, three children awards were given: Jack Laumb (Germany), Cole Voss Williams (Africa), and Emily Lettourneau (Germany).

The festival is organized by the a committee under the direction of the city of PaynesvilleÕs Human Rights Commission.