Celebrating Your Heritage

CulturFest brought neighbors together to share what makes each heritage unique. Across a single day of programming, attendees sampled traditional foods, watched dance and music on the main stage, browsed artist demonstrations, and joined in friendly competition at the sports area — including the signature CultuRace.

The festival completed its 20th and final edition in Fall 2018, with the mission continuing through the Cultural Diversity Network of Owatonna.

CulturFest grew from a simple wish to bring neighbors together and celebrate the many heritages that shape a community. Across a single day each year, attendees wandered between food booths, dance performances, art demonstrations, and friendly competitions, discovering how each tradition offers something distinct. The festival was free to attend, keeping the door open for everyone who wanted to participate, whether as a visitor, volunteer, or featured artist sharing a craft passed down through generations.

At the heart of the event was a belief that cultural diversity strengthens the places we live. Organizers described heritage as a living thread, woven through recipes, songs, gestures, and languages carried by families who settled in the region over many decades. By gathering these expressions in one shared space, CulturFest encouraged conversations across backgrounds and helped newcomers and longtime residents find common ground through curiosity and mutual respect.

The grounds were laid out as a series of themed zones, each designed to invite hands-on participation. A main stage hosted continuous live performances, while nearby areas showcased artist and craft demonstrators working in real time. Children gathered around interactive attractions, and families collected a heritage passport stamped at each stop, turning the day into a playful learning journey that rewarded exploration with small keepsakes and moments of pride.

Food was always a centerpiece, with traditional dishes prepared by community cooks who treated every recipe as a story. Visitors sampled flavors ranging from familiar comfort fare to more unfamiliar seasonal specialties, learning about the ingredients, rituals, and celebrations behind each plate. The aroma of spices and slow-cooked meals guided people from one booth to the next, encouraging them to slow down, share a table, and ask questions about the customs that shaped each dish.

Movement and rhythm filled the schedule as dance troupes and musicians took turns on stage. Performances ranged from high-energy folk dances to quiet storytelling songs, reflecting the wide range of traditions represented in the region. Between sets, demonstrators invited audience members to try simple steps or rhythms, making the performances feel less like a show and more like an open invitation to participate, applaud, and connect through shared energy.

Sports and games brought out the community's playful side, with friendly competitions that mixed heritage themes with lighthearted fun. CultuRace, the festival's signature event, asked teams to navigate challenges that tested both physical skill and cultural knowledge. Other areas offered games and demonstrations that welcomed all ages, reinforcing the idea that athleticism and tradition often go hand in hand across cultures throughout the world.

An ambassador and award ceremony honored the volunteers, artists, sponsors, and vendors whose steady work kept the festival running year after year. Each edition recognized people who carried the mission forward, whether by mentoring youth performers, organizing food booths, or simply showing up with reliable enthusiasm. The ceremony doubled as a thank-you to the parent organization and its supporters, whose quiet behind-the-scenes effort powered every colorful detail.

After completing its twentieth and final edition in the fall, the festival's mission transitioned to its parent organization, the Cultural Diversity Network. The network carries forward the spirit of CulturFest through ongoing programs, workshops, and community gatherings that continue to celebrate heritage in new formats. Past visitors are encouraged to stay involved as volunteers, ambassadors, or curious participants, helping the next chapter grow from the strong roots the festival established.

CulturFest was built by volunteers, demonstrators, and performers who shared their craft. Browse a few of the faces that shaped the festival across its 20 years.

Festival Volunteer

Performer

Demonstrator

Artist

Ambassadors

Highlights from past editions — including stage performances, the opening ceremony, and community moments — were shared on the CulturFest channel.