Photo by Karin Elton Two young women wear traditional Somali clothing during the Culture Fest fashion show Friday. The annual event is part of Sounds of Summer.

MARSHALL — Dakota, Ojibwa, Navaho, Karen, Somali and Latino young people got a chance to show off the traditional dress of their respective cultures at the Sounds of Summer Culture Fest Friday evening.

The Somali clothing was “traditional, for a special occasion,” said Hani Aden, who was one of the audience members watching the fashion show. The special occasion might be the end of Ramadan celebration, she said.

One of the organizers, Ron Skjong, who announced the fashion show, advised the audience to take note of the “gorgeous” and “colorful” clothing.

The fashion show was one of many activities at Culture Fest. There were a total of three pinatas for the kids to take a whack at, and a tai ji (tai chi) demonstration. Tai chi is a Chinese martial art practiced for defense training, health benefits and meditation. The term taiji refers to a philosophy of the forces of yin and yang.

Kids played bean bags and there was chalk available for chalk art. People lined up to get henna tattoos on their hands and there were a number of informational booths including United Community Action Partnership, Senior Linkage Line and Lyon County DFL. The Marshall-Lyon County Library had a walking story book. Advance Opportunity gave out popcorn and the Lyon County DFL booth had free ice pops and face painting. Crystal Yearous with the Office of Civic Engagement at Southwest Minnesota State University had school supplies available for children.

El Rancho sold burritos again this year. The stand received steady customers.