Colour.

The Langley International Festival is awash in colour - ethnic costumes, art displays, vintage autos, the food, dance outfits, sports uniforms.

The annual event brightens up the community on Aug. 25 and 26 in Willoughby Community Park (next to the Langley Events Centre.)

Each year organizers add new attractions to the festival now in its 12th year.

The Cultural Art Gallery will display approximately 20 artists' works in oils, water colors, acrylics, drawings, and sculpture.

New this year is the Community Sports Pavilion.

"We're inviting all sports groups and/or associations to participate and showcase to the community what they do and what they have to offer," according to coordinator Shar Dubas.

The festival highlights Canada's cultural mosaic by having over 70 countries display their traditions in several different ways such as showcasing their performing arts, participating in international marketplace and food pavilions.

The festival will bring people from all walks of life together for a weekend of learning, family fun, and cultural enlightenment.

This event is a unique celebration of the community and its cultural diversity.

The Cultural Art Gallery will display approximately 20 artists' works in oils, water colors, acrylics, drawings, and sculpture.

New this year is the Community Sports Pavilion.

"We're inviting all sports groups and/or associations to participate and showcase to the community what they do and what they have to offer," according to coordinator Shar Dubas.

This year, it has a full-line up of performing artists for the Main Stage. The venue has been re-designed. There's something for everyone.

More than 30 groups from different cultures will be performing on the stage for both days. In the marketplace, a diverse selection of original artisans, hand-made crafts, clothing, and jewellery will be showcased. The multicultural food will be another attraction that you can taste.

There are many other attractions, including a kids mini-carnival, kids' and seniors' chalets, cultural art gallery, community, diversity, health fair, Volkswagen car show on Sunday, dog shows, international soccer and tennis tournaments, and Bard in the Valley.

Fraser Valley Regional Library will also be participating with many attractions. Visit the library booth to enjoy multicultural crafts, kite making and flying, entering a draw to win a camera, meeting the library staff, asking questions, getting acquainted with FVRL's new invention and recently launched the Library Live & On Tour (a surprising little vehicle with very "un-library"like enhancements, including a rocking audio and video system and an onboard "Technology Gadget Bar").

Collect a gift coupon from any local City or Township library to receive a beautiful gift, and much more.

Langley's International Festival is approaching its 12th year and has worked in the community building bridges.

The festival began in 2001 as a fundraiser for St. Joseph's parish in Langley and has grown every year since. Last year, around 20,000 people enjoyed this multicultural community event, and an even larger gathering is expected this year.

The festival funs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25 and Sunday, Aug. 26.

Parking is free and admission is $2 per person 12 and older or $5 for a family. Because there are animal acts on site, people are asked not to bring any pets.

For more details, visit www.internationalfestival.ca.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

. Beer Wine Garden

. Children's Chalet

. Community Sports Pavilion: New this year, community sports groups are able to showcase themselves

. Cultural Art Gallery

. Dog show

. DVKK Volkswagen Car Show: Western Canada's largest Volkswagen event is Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4: 30 p.m.

. Food vendors

. Seniors Chalet

. Soccer tournament

. Tennis tournament

. Theatre in the Park - Bard in the Valley presents Twelfth Night, 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 25 and at 2 p.m. on Aug. 26 in Willoughby Community Park.

hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com