Multi-Cultural Fest and Quad Cities World Cup to be held Aug. 12

The Quad Cities Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees (QCAIR) and Quad Cities Interfaith will host the second annual Quad Cities Multi-Cultural Festival and Quad Cities World Cup on Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Campbell Sports Complex, 8399 29th St. W., Rock Island.

The Quad Cities World Cup will be held from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the Quad Cities Multi-Cultural Festival will go from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12.

The unique event will combine sports, the arts and more while celebrating the beautiful and diverse cultures that fill the region. It will feature a world cup-themed soccer tournament where local teams representing various countries will compete for prizes, as well as a multi-cultural festival with vendors and local performers showcasing their cultures, according to a news release. Prizes will be awarded immediately following the tournament. 

Organizers are still accepting applications for event vendors, performers and soccer teams, as well as referees, line men and women, and match commissioners for the games. 

Vendors may offer food, arts, crafts and more. Nonprofits are encouraged to use this opportunity to present services, the release states. 

Performers may include dancers of all styles, cultural models showcasing native dress, as well as musicians. Each performance will receive up to 10 minutes of stage time. 

Participating teams may represent countries including the U.S., Togo, Liberia, Japan, Mexico and Guatemala. 

To participate as a vendor, performer or player, visit qcair.org. To become a referee, line man or woman, or match commissioner, email Isaac at icarr@qcair.org.

Quad Cities Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees is a nonprofit organization that supports immigrants and refugees throughout the area with educational, advocacy and support services to help newcomers integrate into their new communities, according to the release.  

Quad Cities Interfaith is a coalition of congregations and community groups that work together to build local leadership and address issues in the area to collectively transform society and bring about justice and human dignity, the release states. 

For more information, visit qcair.org.