INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL

Discover the world and gain new insight into the culture and lifestyle of others at this year's International Children's Festival. Children of all ages will have the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of cultures from across the globe on April 18.

At this year's festival 30 international booths will be designed with items representing a specific culture. From customs to stories to even traditional music, children will be immersed into a country's lifestyle as if they have actually stepped foot onto its land..

There are many activities planned for this year's program including a costumed Parade of Nations featuring an array of exquisite fabrics, bold colors and exciting designs. The festival will also feature the popular Dragon Head Dance, Busch Gardens Animal Show, native folk dancers and strolling musicians.

The travel experience will also come alive as children visit different countries with their Passports to Adventures, which will be available for free courtesy of Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Each time children stop at a new country they will have their visas stamped to confirm their interaction with those running the booth. After visiting every country represented at the festival, the child will be entered into a special "World Traveler" prize drawing, with winners receiving a family four pack to Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

Throughout the festival select countries will also be selling their native cuisines. These tempting and tasty treats will be from areas such as Germany, Turkey, Italy, Japan and more. There will be a designated food court that will remain open throughout the entire festival.

The International Children's Festival will be held on April 18 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at Mill Point Park in Downtown Hampton. Admission is free. For more information call 757-727-8311 or visit www.hampton.gov/parks/icf.