“Botswana is a little known country to most people, but it is outstanding not only in Africa but in the entire world,” said co-organizer Virginia Ritan. “It’s story is a positive one about conservation and peace.”
Visitors will be able to learn about the magnificent creatures who live in Botswana as well as view art from native painters and basket makers and see performances of Botswanan music at the festival. Middfest is a 30-year tradition in Middletown that annually highlights a different country.
Botswana is also the setting for the wildly popular No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books by Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith. An exhibit will highlight the books.
“It’s an honor to be here,” said Ntwaagae Christopher Mokgeledi, a painter who will be displaying works at Middfest. Mokgeledi creates African landscape and wildlife art as well as more abstract pieces. He hopes being featured at Middfest will lead to more African art being shown in the U.S.
“Botswana was a country I’d never heard of before,” said co-organizer Mary Ann Krumm. “It’s filled with really delightful people. In the U.S., we have a vision where Africa is nothing but fighting, but Botswana is a peaceful land.”
Middfest is designed to be a learning experience for both Middletown and the rest of the world. Delegates from Botswana — artists, musicians, and educators — have been staying in Middletown for the better part of two weeks to prepare for the event and learn about the traditions and culture in Southwest Ohio.
Kutlo Omphemetse, whose music and dance troupe Selibe Philkwe Cultural Group won a government sponsored competition to be able to travel to Middfest, has been in the U.S. since Sept. 23, his first visit outside of Botswana.
“I’m having a great time,” Omphemetse said. “I’ve learned so much about the United States.”
Middfest will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, Oct. 1; noon to 10 p.m., Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at Donham Plaza. Admission is $5 for the entire weekend. A children’s demonstration will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
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