The Langley International Festival promises to keep people busy with a jam-packed two days of celebrations at the Langley Events Centre and Willoughby Community Park.

It all kicks off with the Kwantlen First Nations doing a welcoming ceremony at 11 a.m. on Saturday, followed by the parade of nations.

People who want to take part in the festival's parade of nations will want to make sure their outfits are looking their best. The festival invites people to wear the outfits of their ethnic heritage and take part in the parade. People who want to take part must contact Linda at 604-513-4445 to register.

There will be entertainment on the main stage all day, through the weekend, with performances representing 25 countries including the Ukraine, Mexico, Kenya, Hawaii, Korea, Domincan Republic, Austria, Philipines, Brazil, Scotland, India, Argentina, Spain, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Russia.

Any auto buffs out there will want to shine up that ride so it can be entered in the first show 'n' shine at the festival. Entry is free and it takes place Sunday starting at 8:30 a.m. on the east side of LEC.

And pet owners will have prettied up Fido and Fifi for their chance to be famous. The festival teamed with Apex Animal Hospital on a photo contest.

The entries will be displayed at the International Festival, and the public will vote on the winners, who will receive prizes.

The entertainment includes the Queen of Samba (Brazil), the Svitanok Chorus, Ukranian Dulcimer Group and the Nova Khvylia.

On Sunday at 3 p.m., the Wu Fu Elementary School Diabolo Team will offer a unique demonstration. The children juggle a diabolo (a wooden spool) on a string attached to two sticks while dancing and moving across the stage. Although this is considered a children's folk game, the team has modified it to be a demonstration of agility and grace.

The YouthZone runs Sunday, 7-9:30 p.m. and is hosted by Team Canada Paralympian Matt Hallat. It includes folk, Taiko, and Isreali dance, martial arts, and a teen talent portion.

A youth concert closes out the festival Sunday evening.

The Langley Elks are overseeing a beer and wine garden at the festival.

More than 20 international food vendors will be on site to give people tastes from around the globe. As well, more than 60 vendors have a marketplace of items from many nations.

The Bard in the Valley theatre company will be at the festival offering up free performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream at 7 p.m. on Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The festival continues with its international soccer tournament, featuring 12 teams this year.

The organizers have arranged for the Vancouver Trolley Bus Co. to pick people up by Colossus Cinema in Walnut Grove and the Langley Bus Depot in Langley City, transporting people to and from the festival for free.

There are some serious events during the festival. The Romanian Orphans 20th anniversary since adoption reunion is being held Saturday, and features a documentary by California adoptee Alex King.

As well Ramesh Ferris of Whitehorse, Yukon, is at the Disability Pavilion and will speak about polio, a continuing threat to many children in parts of Africa and Asia. Ferris who had polio as a baby, used a hand-crank bicycle to cross Canada in 2008 to raise awareness and funds for polio.

More detail about the festival is available at internationalfestival.ca.

hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com