Our area is rich in history and culture, and one of the most fascinating cultures is the Gullah Geechee. This weekend you can learn more about the Gullah Geeche culture at the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival in South Carolina. This festival has the largest showcase of authentic sweetgrass baskets in the Lowcountry, but the festival offers music, arts and craft, storytelling and much more.
Click here to read more about the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
Cinco de Mayo in Charleston, SC
This year it’s actually the  fifth annual Charleston Cinco de Mayo Festival. The event will take place on Saturday, May 1st, at the Visitors Center Bus Terminal in downtown Charleston from 7p.m. to 11p.m. The celebration will feature Orquesta Mayor, DJ Luigi Bravo of Latin Groove, (R)evolution:Genesis, Latin Groove Kids, Professional Salsa Dance Performances and a Salsa Dance Competition (Winner receives $200).
May 5th marks the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In the United States, this day has become a celebration known as “Cinco de Mayo.” It has become a time to commemorate Mexican heritage and culture.
Come celebrate on Saturday, May 1st! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ryan White HIV Care Program at Roper St. Francis Healthcare.
Schedule
7:00-7:45 DJ Luigi
7:45-8:00 Salsa Kids
8:00-8:45 Oruestra Mayor – Set 1
8:45-9:00 Buen Ache
9:00-9:15 Arthur Murray
9:15-10:00 Oruestra Mayor – Set 2
10:00-10:15 Salsa Competition
10:15010:30 Femme Fatales
10:30-11:00 (R)evolution Reggeton Group
Tickets
$8 online, pre-event (make sure to bring PayPal receipt to event)
$10 at the door
Kids 12 and under get in FREE
Food and drink are sold separately. Cash only. Â For more information and tickets visit www.charlestoncinco.com
World of Nations Celebration – Jacksonville, Fl
Have you ever dreamed of traveling to far away countries and exotic places? If you happen to be in Jacksonville in the spring time, you can become a globetrotter without needing a passport or a plane ticket. Pack your bags and bring your family, friends and neighbors to Metropolitan Park for an exciting adventure around the world.
During the 18th annual World of Nations Celebration, held April 29 – May 2, 2010, Metropolitan Park transforms into a multi-ethnic marketplace of cuisine, crafts and entertainment of people from throughout the world. With more than 30 countries represented, the festival provides a unique look into cultures from across the globe.
The City of Jacksonville and the event organizers will bring the world to you showcasing sights, sounds, and tastes of different nations within your reach. Embark on an exciting journey, traveling throughout the park where travelers may see nations and regions such as Cambodia, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ghana, Haiti, India, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain,Taiwan, Turkey, U.S.A., Venezuela and Vietnam.
Other happenings during the weekend:
Naturalization Ceremony
You can witness the commemorative ceremony when people are sworn in as United States citizens.
Parade of Flags
The inspirational Parade of Flag takes place on Saturday, May 1, 2010. Kids of different nationalities dressed in traditional clothing from different countries carry their native flags in the parade.
World of Entertainment
Come to the festival and experience talents from many different countries, see folk dance, listen to music and more.
Passport to the World
To get you and your kids feel like real world travelers, make sure to pick up your official passport to the world. Each country will stamp your passport during your exploration and at the end of the day, you can turn in your passports at the booth near the main entrance for a chance to win prizes.
USA Pavilion – Going Green!
Learn how you can activly participate to help the environment at the 2010 USA Pavilion.
Hours
Thursday, April 29
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Registered Field Trips only)
Friday, April 30
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Registered Field Trips only)
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. International Party
Saturday, May 1: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 2: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission:
One-Day Ticket to the World: $5.00
Two-Day Pass: $8.00
International Party: FREE!
(Friday, April 30 from 5-9 p.m.)
Children Three & Under: FREE
Visit www.coj.net or call (904) 630-3690 for more information.
The Savannah Scottish Games 2010
Highlanders and Scotsmen will again come together to celebrate their culture and heritage during this event in Savannah on Saturday May 8th, 2010.
At the Savannah Scottish Games you get a chance to experience a little bit of Scotland right here on the Georgia coast.
So what can you expect to see at the event? How about traditional games such as Heavy Athletics with stone throwing, weight tossing, hammer throwing, caber turning, and sheaf tossing. The festivities also include whisky tasting, pipe band competition, highland dancing championship to just mention a few.
Here is the link for a $2 off admission coupon  to Savannah Scottish Games
The Savannah Games are held on the campus of the historic Bethesda Home for Boys. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. (Click here for direction)
2010 Railroad Days Festival in Callahan, Florida
The two day signature fund raising celebration, 2010 Railroad Days Festival, will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 26th and 27th in and around the historic Victorian Style Callahan train station. The West Nassau Historical Society will debut their new museum lighting system and freshly renovated caboose as part of the various events at this year’s 2010 Railroad Days Festival.
Friday Events
On Friday, March 26, 2010, there will be various food and craft vendors on the grounds starting at 12 noon. Mrs. Kate, a local popular folk singer will perform at 4:30 PM Friday, highlighting an afternoon and evening lineup of live entertainment from the front platform. You can also tour the bright red caboose and see the depot’s new lighting system. The Historical Society’s members have been tirelessly reconstructing the former ACL caboose which in 1967 was converted from a 1940s steel box car. The West Nassau Museum of History’s new lighting system inside the depot was made possible by donations from CSX and Rayonier.
Saturday Events
On Saturday, March 27, 2010, the craft and food vendors will reopen at 10 AM. The Shriners will lead a procession of fire trucks, antiques cars and floats in the annual Railroad Days Parade starting at 11:00 AM. A classic car show hosted by Cochrane’s Collision Center will follow the parade. The town of Callahan will host a kids’ play area on the depot grounds and model and scale trains, steam driven engines, Operation Lifesaver and photo contest entries highlight the exhibits. A welcoming and sponsor appreciation ceremony starts on Saturday at 1 PM followed by live entertainment from 3 PM until 8 PM.
For additional information on the 2010 Railroad Days Festival or on becoming a volunteer, sponsor, or donor on please call John Hendricks with the West Nassau Historical Society at 904-879-3406.
The West Nassau Historical Society is a non-profit, tax exempt organization dedicated to the preservation of Western Nassau County’s rich history and to the maintenance and upkeep of the historic Callahan Depot.