International festival–with translators, free food and more–coming to Columbus for first time

A unique, family-friendly festival aiming to broaden the horizons of Columbus will kick off for the first time ever this week.

The Bethel International Festival will be held Aug. 3 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Bethel International United Methodist Church (BIUMC), which is located at 1220 Bethel Rd.

The event–which is new this year–will feature many familiar summer festival attractions, including a bounce house for kids, an obstacle course, live music and more, but it will add a unique twist to the format we know so well.

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BIUMC, which holds services in both English and Korean, will lean into its multi-cultural roots by offering an event focused on connecting communities of different national backgrounds. Translators will be available on site to assist those who do no not speak English, and the festival will also feature a free lunch for attendees, with a spread of culturally-diverse food.

Local groups promoting cross-cultural connections in central Ohio will also be in attendance, including the Northwest Civic Association, City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods, Turkish American Society of Ohio and West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. Nationwide Children’s Hospital will be on site to assist families with vaccinations and vaccination records, and resources to help families navigate Columbus City Schools will also be available.

“Bethel International United Methodist Church seeks to be a good neighbor,  particularly to the communities of New Americans who live in the area,” Reverend Deborah Stevens told 614Now. “We value the relationships we have built with our neighbors through sharing English classes, and providing fellowship times for neighbors to gather. We are grateful to a number of community partners who have come together to help support the well being of the Northwest Columbus area, and want to celebrate friendship, fellowship, and opportunity together at the festival.”

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