BLOOMINGTON - Visitors to the Cultural Festival Weekend at Miller Park enjoyed a lineup of local entertainers, children's activities and a chance to make connections with community organizations.

The event is marking its 30th year with two days of activities. As of late afternoon Saturday, Tony Jones, program director for the festival, estimated attendance for the day at 4,000 to 5,000 people. That was about the time Grammy-nominated singer Syleena Johnson - an Illinois State University alumna - finished her set at the bandstand.

The annual festival is "an opportunity to experience a sampling of life - different styles of food, dance and cultures," Jones said. Eight food vendors were on hand.

Earlier in the day, dressed in matching red T-shirts and plaid shirts, the threesome known as Reality waited for its turn on the park stage Saturday morning. Derrion Hodges said he enjoys coming to the festival and performing.

"I come for the dancing, the food and the fun," said the 12-year-old entertainer.

Hodges and group members Franklin Anderson and Dajour Forrest were crowd pleasers with their energetic dance routine.

Hoping to make connections with local residents were representatives of 100 Black Men of Central Illinois. Education and mentoring of at-risk youth are among the group's top goals, according to Henry T. Buchanan, vice president of the local chapter.

"We want to be that supplement, that buffer, to help with life in general," said Buchanan.

Students from four local middle schools receive mentoring assistance from 100 Black Men of Central Illinois. Volunteers handed out free water bottles and registered festival participants for free backpacks Saturday morning.

Walter Slater III answered questions for potential new members of Tomorrow's Scientists, Technicians and Managers. The student organization, sponsored by the McLean County Urban League, includes minority and underprivileged junior high and high school students who work to improve academic and leadership skills. Math and science courses are a priority.

"We're trying to get people to sign up for our kickoff in September," said Slater, a junior at Normal Community High School.

Kids who came out early took advantage of the best selection at the Toys for Trade tent sponsored by the Ecology Action Center. Tables covered with donated toys highlighted the notion that good stuff can be recycled to others, said DeAnna Belz, the center's assistant director.

"This is a great way to help kids grasp the concept of sharing," said Belz.

Kids also learned how to make Tire Flyers, Frisbee-like items made from recycled tire treads, rubber bands and old compact discs.

Gathered around a picnic table under a shade tree, Sylvia Neal and several members of her family viewed the festival as a chance to connect with friends.

"I enjoy getting out and seeing people I haven't seen in a long time. I come every year," said Neal, who watched her niece in a musical performance with members of the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington Normal.

Several good sports took a seat in a dunk tank that served as a fund-raiser for the Boys and Girls Club. Terry Dodds, a local attorney and member of the club's board of directors, said the funds will help offset state budget cuts. Dodds took his turn in the tank, along with Illinois State University basketball coach Tim Jankovich and several other community leaders.

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More to come

Here's the lineup of performers Sunday at the Cultural Festival Weekend at Miller Park:

Noon - Velvet Groove Band

1 p.m. - Adam Larson & the Midwest Jazz Collective

3 p.m. - 2009 Culture Fest Choir

3:20 p.m. - Ambitious

3:30 p.m. - Soul Rebels

3:40 p.m. - Power Sisters

3:50 p.m. - Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Choirs, Springfield

4:15 p.m. - Jam