Idaho International Summerfest Kicks Off

Whoever said eastern Idaho wasn’t diverse, may not know about the Idaho International Summerfest. Monday, the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce hosted the event for its 30th year.

“In the past we have hosted nearly 300 different teams from 60 different countries. All right here in Rexburg, Idaho,” said Rexburg Chamber of Commerce CEO Donna Benfield.

Every summer hundreds of performers from many different corners of the world make their way to Rexburg. Dancers and musicians perform in various venues, from the Gala Performances to the Street Parade, Street Festival, youth culture classes and other events.

“The cultural diversity that this event brings to Rexburg is unbelievable,” she said. “For the last 30 years, we’ve been making bonds and ties with eight to ten different countries all over the world. We all have friends all over the world and we’ve realized how small the world is.”

Benfield said this event wouldn’t have been possible without the 80 host families that provide performers with food and shelter during their stay in Idaho.

Last year’s event included teams from:
Mexico
China – Traditional
Peru – Exciting
India – “Bollywood” – Modern & Exhilarating
Egypt
Russia – Traditional
New Zealand – Grammy Awards Entertainer – LT Smooth
Polynesia
USA – Footworks

This year’s full event schedule and ticket information can be found at http://idahosummerfest.com/