The local Filipino community brought out its best performers to highlight that country’s art forms. The Filipino Community Alliance, a local nonprofit, had costumed dances drawing on the more Spanish elements of Filipino heritage; while the Filipino Youth Activities drill team performed the traditional dance “tinikling,” in which costumed dancers clap parallel bamboo sticks together in rhythm while others weave their way in between, getting faster and faster.

The third element from the Filipino community was a history display board and appearance by the Philippine Scouts Historical Society, who represented the Philippine Scouts unit of the U.S. Army created shortly after the Spanish-American War of the early 1900s. Members appeared in uniform and explained the origins and importance of the Scouts. The festival also drew many other cultures with breath-taking performances.

Dancers from Hawaii gave their interpretation of stories including The Little Mermaid, and Indian dancers gave us a taste of Bollywood which made the audience dance along. Local vendors from around Pierce County and beyond showcased their creative work. One of the most notable was Patricia Sears, an 80-year-old lady who had a beautiful collection of jewelry, over 100 pieces, which she hand made. Jen Hansen also displayed a collection of crafts and clothing imported from around the world.   The Arts Fest 2nd annual Celebration also took place where various local artists’ works like paintings, photography, drawings among others were displayed.

The Lakewood Art Fest Committee and advisors put this section together. Dave Roholt and Brian Martin, professors at Pierce College, were the college advisors. The little ones were not left out. With lots of fun activities in the Kids Corner like face painting, Henna, coloring crafts and other games. They were also taught and played International Bingo and the Filipino version of Musical Chairs.

It’s not easy getting an arts festival off the ground. For its second year, the Lakewood Sister Cities International Festival and Arts Fest intended to bring over performers from Lakewood’s sister city of Bauang (pronounced ‘’bwong’’) in the Philippines — only to find that they couldn’t get visas.

But the festival drew on local artists, including those of the Lakewood Filipino community , which made the two-day event this weekend just as fun with over 600 attendees.