MONROE — More than 25 ethnic groups are represented in Union County, according to the 2005-2007 American Community Survey. The Union Baptist Association will have its second annual international festival Saturday to bring thsse groups together.

Henry Funderburk, an association member who is helping organize the festival, said six groups were represented last time, and nine are involved this year. Those groups include Chinese, Hmong, Hispanic, Korean, Philippino, Liberian, Vietnamese, Guatemalan and South African residents.

Funderburk said customs vary from culture to culture, but all groups share “a common need ... for Jesus Christ.”

But, he said, the festival is not a sermon or “an evangelistic crusade ... (it is) a time of sharing and caring of people from all cultures. ... You can say a lot more sometimes by who you are and how you treat people.”

All participants are part of Christian groups, but the event is open to everyone.

Funderburk is also the pastor of Community Baptist Church in Indian Trail.

“I think the people from these different countries really enjoy getting to meet each other,” he said, “and it enriches us culturally to have the opportunity to mingle with them, too.”

The festival will include music, clothing and artifact displays, food, games and possibly dancing. Medical personnel will also be on site to do health checks.

Admission to the festival is free. It will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Shops at Nottingham, 2585 W. Roosevelt Blvd. For more information, call 704-283-8383.