Thousands attend Summerfest street festival in Rexburg
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REXBURG — Local and international dancers performed in front of thousands in Rexburg at the annual Summerfest Street Festival on Monday.
The street festival marks the first event for the Idaho International Summerfest — shutting down a part of Main Street to make way for activities and performances.
“This is probably the most famous event of the Idaho International Summerfest that’s been going on for 31 years,” Summerfest Chairman Julie Coray said. “This is what people know about, but there’s a lot more than (just the street festival).”
At 5 p.m. locals gathered to watch musical/dance numbers from team Canada, and Polynesia. Following those acts, all six teams from India, Russia, Polynesia, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States danced down main street in a parade. The night ended with a dance the whole community was invited to. Performers from the Upper Valley and local vendors were also present at the street fest.
“(Summerfest) brings a lot of culture and worldwide friendships,” Coray said. “It brings a lot of energy, uplifting power for families, and (lets) youth of our community be a part of something bigger than themselves. It’s just inspiring, energetic and fun.”
International musician LT Smooth is a member of team Polynesia. He said it’s been an honor to be able to mingle with talented individuals from all over.
“It’s been wonderful to come and unite with some of these countries from all over the world,” Smooth said. “It’s just an honor to be here from the other side of the world, to see India, Russia, Puerto Rico, Canada, USA, just to be apart of this wonderful event is just amazing.”
Smooth said team Polynesia brings a lot of heart to the international Summerfest.
“Polynesia is all about love,” Smooth said. “There’s something about us Polynesians that no matter what we go through in life we’re always happy and we’re always smiling through it all. No matter how hard life may be. That’s what we bring to this festival.”
Monday’s street festival was the first of many Summerfest events. Upcoming events include youth culture workshops, a humanitarian project, Gala performances and more.
“I want to invite everybody to our humanitarian event that we have on Thursday at Porter Park. It’s a neat opportunity that people from all around the world come together to our little spot on the map, and we make blankets, clothes and humanitarian kits,” Coray said.
Although most events are free, Coray reminds the public to get tickets for the Gala performances.
“Oh my goodness do we have a great show this year, the graceful beauty of India, and the lively fun of Puerto Rico, and the powerful professional performance of Russia. It’s just something that everybody needs to see,” Coray said.
Summerfest activities and performances are set to go until July 16. For information on the Idaho International Summerfest visit it’s Facebook page, or official website.