West Virginia's largest event promoting cultural diversity is focused on helping survivors of last month's floods that devastated much of the state.
The 27th annual Multifest is scheduled for Aug. 5 to 7 at Haddad Riverfront Park, where it moved last year after a quarter-century on the state Capitol grounds.
During a news conference at City Hall on Tuesday, Dallas Staples, president of Multifest's membership board, said event organizers brainstormed ways to help those affected by the flooding before they reached out to the Salvation Army for assistance.
"They graciously agreed to be part of the donation collection for us," Staples said.
The Salvation Army will be on site during the three-day festival to receive donations and supplies for flood relief efforts.
Because it's a music festival, donations and instruments for the Herbert Hoover High School Band are also encouraged.
This year, Multifest is also partnering with the Moses Auto Group Live on the Levee. The opening ceremony will take place during Live on the Levee on Aug. 5.
Staples also noted that now is a crucial time to donate to flood survivors, because the public tends to forget about those affected by destructive events over time.
"Sometimes, after a period of time, things get lost and people forget. We don't want to ever forget the people that have lost everything," he said.
"People have to eat after one month, and so we want to continue that effort to make sure we get the necessary supplies and things all our citizens need. They've got kids going back to school, so there's a lot we can still do."
Multifest works to bring different cultures together around the state and celebrates diversity.
Friday will feature national artist ZAPP.
Saturday will include nearly 10 musical acts at Schoenbaum Stage from groups including Hybrid Soul and Next, and will be capped off with a fireworks show at 10:15 p.m.
Sunday will feature gospel singers and praise teams throughout the day, including Geoffrey Golden and Mark T. Jackson.
The family-friendly event is free to attend. Vendors will sell various types of food, arts and crafts and other items throughout the weekend.
Reach Elaina Sauber at elaina.sauber@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-3051 or follow @ElainaSauber on Twitter.