Brazilian Fest sure to please the crowd

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Sep 1, 2005

LEHI -- The Utah Brazilian Festival is an opportunity for Brazilian-Americans who live away from home to celebrate Brazil's Independence Day and is a unique event designed to show off the best of what Brazil has to offer: the people, the food, the music, the dance and the culture.

Festival organizer Matilde Teixeira Wosnjuk said it's hoped the festival will become a tradition.

"The festival will include traditional Brazilian food, drinks, arts and crafts, from Capoeira, Samba lessons, to Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu," Wosnjuk said. "We will have demonstrations and workshops for all ages including fun children's activities. There will be a stage for entertainment offering exciting live music with local performers and dance all day. The Utah Brazilian Festival is a great opportunity to enjoy real Brazilian rhythms. The energetic group of musicians, percussionists, singers and dancers is sure to please the crowd."

Wosnjuk said Utah has a relatively small Brazilian community but there is a large number of LDS missionaries who served in Brazil and love the land and the people.

"Not only is this festival important to the Brazilian community but also for the general public that loves Brazilian arts and culture."

If you go

What: Utah Brazilian Festival

Where: Electric Park, Thanksgiving Point in Lehi

When: Saturday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How much: free

Phone: 768-2910

Web: www.thanksgivingpoint.com