Huber Heights plans Sept. 13 multicultural festival with performances, food trucks and children’s activities

The Huber Heights Cultural Diversity Commission on Aug. 7 outlined plans for a multicultural festival set for Sept. 13, including performers such as the Dayton Salsa Project, multiple dance groups representing Turkiye, the Philippines, Guam, Lebanon, Sudan, Mexico and Puerto Rico, food trucks and a range of family activities.

The commission’s staff liaison, Jeffrey (city staff liaison), said the festival will run roughly 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Eichelberger Park and that the city has allocated additional funds to the event. “So I got another $15,000 to put this on,” Jeffrey said during the meeting. The planning group has also discussed buying a temporary dance floor, face-painting and balloon artists; a face-painting quote discussed in the meeting was about $270.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the festival is central to the commission’s work of connecting cultural organizations with residents and raising awareness of the city’s diversity. Organizers told the commission they expect dance performances, a headline act or band, food vendors representing multiple cultures, historical or informational tables and children’s attractions such as bounce houses, a game truck and cultural “games” areas run by participating groups.

Key details: Planners reported seven confirmed dance groups and were negotiating to add Dayton Salsa Project (two sets totaling up to 1 hour 40 minutes) and possible headline performers including DCDC (a dance company) pending a site visit and technical needs. Food and retail vendors listed during the meeting included groups representing Turkey, the Philippines, Mexico, Latvia and Ukraine; the Dayton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has been contacted to help recruit Hispanic vendors. The commission agreed to waive vendor fees for community groups; food trucks were being charged a fee ($50–$100, as discussed) depending on category and space.

Organizing and outreach: Communications staff member Sarah Forsyth (communications staff) is set to prepare a save‑the‑date and a more detailed news release once key performers are confirmed. Commissioners and volunteers plan to use social media, local news contacts and regional digital boards to promote the festival. The group discussed a “passport” concept for festival visitors — a small card attendees could stamp at cultural booths and enter into drawings for prizes such as YMCA or aquatic center family passes donated by partners.

Budget and logistics: Planners said the commission has money from earlier events and an additional $15,000 was available for this festival. Jeffrey noted Juneteenth costs used a large portion of prior funds and confirmed the extra allocation to support the multicultural event. The commission discussed hiring a dance floor (paid from the festival budget) because some invited performers will not perform on pavement.

Next steps: Organizers will finalize contracts (including a confirmation request to Dayton Salsa Project), secure a dance floor if needed, close vendor registrations by the stated August 31 deadline, and send promotional materials to Sarah Forsyth for publication. Commissioners also planned a final task‑group meeting before the September commission meeting to finish layout and marketing materials.

Ending: Commissioners described the festival as a chance to “spotlight” residents and cultural groups and to build ongoing partnerships; planners said they will return to the commission with finalized vendor lists, confirmations and proofs for promotional materials.