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Small World Festival: A Fun Cultural Celebration in the Heart of Hinesville

Established in 1837 as the County Seat for Liberty County, Hinesville, Georgia, is a beautiful city located just southwest of Savannah. Named after former Liberty County State Senator, Charlton Hines, Hinesville was a profitable and productive city leading right up to the Civil War. The War was rough on Hinesville and Liberty County, and multiple conflicts in and around town left the area broken down in a state of chaos. The city slowly recovered, but it wasn't until after the Great Depression in the 1930’s that the town began to make a bigger name for itself. In 1940, Camp Stewart was established right next to Hinesville, initiating a wave of new residents, and the city hasn't looked back since.

 

Now Hinesville has a population of over 33,000 people and it's one of the fastest growing communities in all of Georgia. You’ll find warm temperatures, sunshine, friendly faces and plenty of fun activities to enjoy. The natural surroundings will leave you speechless with lush vegetation, dense forests, diverse wildlife and plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy nature. It’s the ideal destination for those who love outdoor activities such as: hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, biking, canoeing and much more. If the outdoors are not your thing, the culture and art scenes here are vibrant and worth a visit on their own. From live entertainment to unique shops, Hinesville has something for everyone.

 

One of the best ways to experience this one-of-a-kind area is during one of the great community events like the Small World Festival. This festival is great for all ages and backgrounds. You’ll find the rich cultural diversity of the area on display. There will be food from all over the world as well as international entertainment and a World Marketplace, with unique items to buy from all across the globe. If you're looking for a fun and educational event that is great for all ages, then the Small World Festival is for you. We got the opportunity to interview Michelle K. W. Ricketson, the Executive Director of the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority, to talk about this great event.

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

MR: The event has existed in a few different iterations over the years. It began at a local school and has moved around to different locations around town. Currently, the festival is held at the beautiful Bryant Commons which is located just across the street from the Chamber of Commerce.

 

The festival has been steadily growing over recent years. In fact, in 2015 we had over 1,500 people in attendance. This year we are expecting over 2,000 patrons at the festival. Out event is perfect for families, friends, groups and couples. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to come out and participate in all of the fun activities.

 

RAL: What makes the festival unique?

MR: What sets our festival apart from others is the level of community involvement. From all the local volunteers to the local shops and businesses participating, everyone in town is excited for the festival. Residents here are warm and welcoming, creating a great environment for a community gathering.

 

RAL: Take me through a day at the festival.

MR: For activities we have something for everyone including live music, an International Car Show, a 5K Color Run, a World Marketplace, a food court, Flags for Heroes, Global Learning Village with storytelling and five different country tents.

 

We will have guest appearances from our friends at Georgia Southern University, who come down to perform cultural dances. It’s a unique and vibrant display of culture that you won't find in many other locations. If you get hungry or thirsty, there will be a wide assortment of food and drink vendors who will have something everyone.

 

The environment of the festival is one of a large outdoor celebration. We will have displays, tents, activities and live entertainment, all with a beautiful backdrop. Bryant Commons is a scenic and lush 156-acre park with an amphitheater, ponds, and lots of green space. It's conveniently located right on Highway 84 and it's easy to find if you're traveling from afar.

 

RAL: Tell me about the local lodging situation.

MR: This festival is more of a day trip for many of the local participants. If you’re looking to stay in town, we have various local options that will fit your needs.

 

RAL: What does this festival mean to the community?

MR: It's a great way to welcome the upcoming spring season and for the people of the community to get out and socialize. Our residents take pride in the festival and they love to share in all the fun with attendees.

 

Schools are showing off their international knowledge in the global learning village’s five tents. A school is sponsoring the color run as a fundraiser for some of their programs. The military affairs committee is sponsoring the car show to raise funds for the veterans memorial and the YMCA will have their flag display as a fundraiser. 

 

RAL: Why should people come to your festival?

MR: There are so many things going on throughout the day that there is really something for everyone. The cultural displays are diverse and represent the various cultures and countries that influence our city today. Not only is our festival a great event for all ages, but it is an educational experience that you’ll never forget.


For more information about the Small World Festival please visit their website.