Hanford's sometimes-hidden diversity was on display Saturday night as Japanese drummers, African percussionists and multi-cultural rockers energized a multiracial Civic Park crowd attending the 2009 Multicultural Festival.

"It's a little bit of everybody's culture. It's an understanding about how different cultures come together," said Hanford resident Juanita Martinez.

Come together they did, in a crowd of Hispanics, blacks, Caucasians and several other ethnic groups.

The entertainment blended a wide blend of different musical styles and backgrounds.

The seven members of West African drummer group "Buddy Jones and Friends" laid down entrancing and complex beats for an audience that seemed to eat it up.

Nearby, people flocked to a stand selling "Antojitos Mexicanos" (Mexican appetizers) and several "aguas frescas" -- cold fruit drinks, including horchata, tamarindo, jamaica and pina.

Other ethnic foods included Portuguese fare and, of course, summertime American staples: Hot dogs, soda, chips and hot wings.

Marquez Brothers was there, handing out free cheese samples and drinkable yogurt from their "El Mexicano" brand.

Gabriel Sandoval, owner and chef of Sandoval's Authentic Mexican Cuisine, pulled a vending trailer all the way from Dinuba. His $1 tacos were selling at a fast clip. Later in the evening there was a long line outside the trailer.

"I think it's a nice event. They do a lot of entertainment," he said, sweat beading on his brow as he grinned in the sweltering heat.

After Buddy Jones and Friends finished, the Fresno Gumyo Taiko drummers pounded away on giant, barrel-shaped drums, chanting Japanese phrases in between the booming reverberations.

Customized cars parked on the grass showed a cultural mix -- everything from classic lowrider pickups with custom rims to super-sleek, color-coordinated, late-model Corvettes.

"It's nothing like what I experience back home," said Jeremy Roeschlein of Wahkon, Minn.

Roeschlein said he's working on the Leprino plant expansion in Lemoore before returning home to the tiny Midwestern town of 312.

Many people seemed to be looking forward to Tulare band "August" performing later in the evening.

"They play everything. They're good," said Hanford resident Ronald Monzelli, who described the band's style as classic rock/Latino/Carlos Santana.

Proceeds from the annual event will benefit Childrens Hospital of Central California.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2432.

(Sept. 13, 2009)