A group from Curacao will visit Murfreesboro as part of the 2010 International Folk Fest

The 2010 International Folk Fest will bring in dance groups from Italy and Curacao to Murfreesboro from June 13-20 for performances at Cannonsburgh, Central Christian Church, Patterson Park Community Center, The Boys and Girls Club, schools, retirement and nursing homes and even locations in Nashville and Manchester.

A group from the Congo is scheduled to be included, but group members have had some issues obtaining their visas, according to festival organizer Steve Cates.

“This visa situation is really a thorn in our side,” Cates said, but added, “We have another African group and a group from Slovakia that are in line to take their spot if they cannot come.”

Some area residents are asked to open their homes for the dancers traveling into town. The performers will room at the MTSU dorms for most of their stay, but host homes are needed for the nights of June 12 and 20.

“While we have set some homestays, we still need a few more,” Cates said.

The International Folk Festival has brought dance and culture from all around the world to Rutherford County since its inception in 1982.

The Cripple Creek Cloggers, the host dance group, will be making a trip to Italy itself later this summer, and Cates encourages everyone interested in getting involved and dancing with the group to get in touch and participate.

To volunteer to house dancers, or for more information on the International Folk Fest or the Cripple Creek Cloggers, contact Cates at appdancer@aol.com or visit mboro-international-folkfest.org.