LOUISVILLE. Ky. — Labor Day weekend marks the return of Louisville’s premier international festival. WorldFest is marking off its 20th anniversary with over 150 cultures represented in food vendors, fashion and music.
Tar Molla, the owner of Abol Cafe in Louisville, is preparing for his first year in the WorldFest. The Louisville resident moved here 15 years ago to share his love of Ethiopian coffee with Kentuckians. The husband and father of three is already a big fan of the festival.
“We just want to share what we have. We have roasted coffee, we have camping coffee, we have thyme tea and more,” said Molla.
Molla is just one of many food vendors who is representing his culture, wanting people to recognize and appreciate it.
“You’ll have a different experience… instead of going to another country, you’ll experience it here, right here [in Louisville],” said Molla.
Flags from all different countries can be found pointing out different food and clothing vendors. WorldFest is celebrating 20 years of being the premier and most diverse international festival in the region. For food vendor, All Thai’d Up—they haven’t missed one year.
“That was one of the first festivals that I hit up and said, ‘Hey I have a food truck. Hey can I join,’” said Aphaivongs-Harrod.
Katherine Aphaivongs-Harrod is a native of Thailand. The owner of All Thai’d Up moved to Louisville permanently in 2017 after spending bouts in Thailand running her first restaurant. Also known as Chef Kat — she recently opened All Thai’d Up, a brick and mortar in Louisville after running her food truck. She says it was all because she saw a need for more authentic Thai food.
“There are Thai restaurants everywhere but they’ve been Americanized to a point you don’t recognize what the dish actually is,” said Aphaivongs-Harrod.
When your belly is full, WorldFest has tons of places to shop jewelry, home decor and clothes. Plus, your fair share of music selections. The city says it’s a continued effort for inclusion. Emily Martin helped put the event together as the special events coordinator for the Louisville Mayor’s Office.
“Our office for globalization here has done a lot to expand and be such a welcoming city. Just being as inclusive as possible is what WorldFest aims to be,” said Martin.
WorldFest will continue all the festivities through September 5. To view a full list of activities, click here.