SOLON, Ohio -- Get ready to dance and dine as Solon’s second annual Spring Festival returns April 27 -- this time bursting with the colors and traditions of South Asia.
The free event takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Solon Community Center, 35000 Portz Parkway.
Visitors can expect a lively afternoon of cultural performances, colorful vendors and authentic cuisine, all celebrating the rich traditions of South Asian communities.
A full lineup of performers will take the stage throughout the day, including Anga Kala Kathak Academy, Sapthaswara Academy, Dancing Divas, the Solon Hindu Student Association, San’s Dance Vibes, Tanvi Devarapalli, the Association of Asian Indian Women in Ohio and the Madhuralaya School of Indian Classical Music.
DJ Taz Beats will provide high-energy music to keep the crowd moving.
Festival-goers can browse handcrafted goods, jewelry and clothing from vendors like Zip Fruit, Sitaarey Jewelry, Rom Attire & Jewels and Classic Temptations.
Namrataa’s Kitchen will be serving a selection of South Asian dishes.
Mayor Edward Kraus encourages people to attend the free event.
“It’s a wonderful festival,” he said. “We have music, dancing, food, a lot of different vendors like ceramics and jewelry and many different activities.”
The Spring Festival is designed to bring people together through cultural appreciation and shared experiences.
Organizers are encouraging individuals and organizations with South Asian roots to get involved, either by hosting a booth or performing at the event.
Vendors representing South Asia are also invited to apply. The entry fee is $25, and applications can be submitted to specialevents@solonohio.org. Forms also are available on the City of Solon’s website.
Now in its second year, the festival celebrates not only the season, but also the many cultures that help shape the Solon community.
“Our community loves these festivals because, number one, it’s fun and a family-friendly activity,” Kraus said.
“But number two, about 30 percent of our population is foreign-born, so we have so many different cultures and nationalities.
“So we learn so much from each other, and that contributes to the whole spirit of the community.”
The mayor said the Spring Festival kicks off an exciting lineup of events in the city.
“The Spring Festival starts our entire spring, summer and fall schedule,” Kraus said. “There’s much more coming.”
That includes the Spring & Shop Handmade Market on May 3.
Held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Solon Community Center, the event will feature local artisans and crafters selling handmade goods like jewelry, home décor, candles, sweet treats and more.
Admission and parking are free.
On June 6, Solon will host a Movie in the Park event with a showing of “Mufasa: The Lion King” at Solon Bicentennial Park, 34045 Bainbridge Road.
The park opens at 6 p.m. and the movie begins at 8 p.m.
Food will be available for purchase from Shafer’s Little Blue Trailer and Cleveland Cookie Dough Co. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Then, on June 19, the city will host a Juneteenth celebration at Solon Bicentennial Park, 34045 Bainbridge Road.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a traditional folkloric performance by Djapo Cultural Arts Institute, followed by Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band taking the stage at 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments will be available for purchase, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for a night of music, culture and community.
Read more from the Chagrin Solon Sun.