Celebrating Multi-Culturalism down the road from Brownwood. See ya there !

Ballinger celebrates with cultural festival
By Nargis Nooristani / Scripps West Texas Newspapers
April 23, 2005

Ballinger is bringing a taste of faraway lands to West Texas through its 30th annual Texas State Festival of Ethnic Cultures and Arts and Crafts.
''I can't wait every year to get the soul food, and the German sausage is out of this world,'' said Billie Simpson, organizer of the vendors at the event.
The two-day festival, today and Sunday at the Ballinger courthouse square, is sponsored by the Ballinger Chamber of Commerce.
It celebrates the cultures in the community through food, entertainment and arts and crafts in 75 booths.
''It's mostly to get people to come to our town,'' Simpson said. ''It's a lot of work, but it works to bring people in.''
A parade kicks off the event at 10 a.m. today, featuring antique cars and trucks.
Live entertainment, mechanical-bull riding and the crowning of Miss Ballinger are traditional activities that the event will feature.
But the food makes the event something to look forward to, said Patricia Hohensee, who oversees the food booths.
Ten food booths set up by nonprofit groups will feature food specialties such as German, Czech, Native American and Mexican American.
''It's neat that it brings all of our cultures in the community together working toward a common goal - to participate in the fair,'' Hohensee said.
Hohensee has been participating in the fair for 18 years and said it's a way for her to get involved in bettering the community.
''It's just the civic thing to do,'' she said.

Details
What: 30th annual Texas State Festival of Ethnic Cultures and Arts and Crafts
When: Today-Sunday
Where: Ballinger courthouse square
How Much: Free
More Information: Ballinger Chamber of Commerce, (325) 365-2333

source: http://www.reporter-news.com/abil/nw_local/article/0,1874,ABIL_7959_3723185,00.html