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A how-to on medieval life, Santa Claus and free food attracted people to WorldFest on Saturday at the Lied Activity Center in Bellevue.
An estimated 1,300 people attended the event, which highlighted culture and customs from around the world. Chinese, Czech, Scandinavian and other European cultures brought people together with food, dancing and songs.
“The things that make us different are the things that bring us together,” said Carol Blood, event organizer.
“It's something free for all ages after you spend all your money on Black Friday,” said Blood, who is a Bellevue City Council member.
Some kids were running around with candy-cane balloons. Others were pasting together crafts to take home. The rest waited in line to see Father Christmas.
The Bellevue Police Department, Marine Corps and other groups collected donations for charities.
Leathercrafter Andy Rathburn of Papillion spent the day hammering metal spikes into leather. The final product was a vambrace, an armlet that goes around the forearm that would provide secondary offense in combat, he said.
Rathburn has 20 years of experience in the medieval business. He is also a member of the Medieval and Renaissance Society.
Among other Renaissance activities were looming and rope making.
Betty and Jerry Golmanavich of Omaha went to WorldFest because of the ethnic culture and food.
“It's almost like going on a bus tour,” Jerry Golmanavich said.
Contact the writer:
444-1304, kirby.kaufman@owh.com
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