Folk Story

Putting on the Las Vegas International Folk Festival is a full-time job.

It takes up so much time and energy that Ixela Gutierrez's group, Mexico Vivo Dance Company, won't be able to perform during this year's festival, which is taking place through Sunday at Fremont Street, Reed Whipple Theater, Lied Discovery Children's Museum and the East Las Vegas Community Center.

Gutierrez founded Mexico Vivo in 1995 and created the Folk Festival four years ago.

"Right now I'm working on this festival and next year's, too," Gutierrez says. "We want to make next year's, the fifth annual, big. The festival is getting bigger and nicer. It's an opportunity for national and international folk performers to come to Las Vegas."

More than 500 groups will be at the event to celebrate dance, music, theater, workshops, food and traditions of cultures from the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America, Canada, Africa, Asia and Europe.

Some 75,000 people are expected to attend this year's event.

Today, festivities start at 9 a.m. on the Third Street Stage on Fremont Street with ceremonial presentations by Tony Sacca, Willow Cree Dancers, Ballet Tlayacan, the Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Huichol Dance Group, Danielle Usiak, Mariachi Los Rebeldes New Mexico, Shri Ranjani Arts and Ollimpaxqui Ballet.

A children's and senior's concert will follow the opening ceremonies.

At 5 p.m. today, a Parade of Nations will take place downtown starting at the Plaza and ending at the stage in front of Fitzgeralds on Fremont Street. More than 300 performers will be wearing their traditional costumes.

Following that, concerts and vendors will be holding forth on Fremont Street until 10 p.m.

On Saturday at the Third Street Stage, there will be 50 food and craft vendors, music and dance shows from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

And on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. there will be entertainment and an awards ceremony.

Admission to all events on Fremont Street is free.

Outside of Fremont Street, activities include a dance concert at Reed Whipple Theater, 821 Las Vegas Blvd. North, today from 7 to 9 p.m. with Ballet Folklorico Mixteco East Los Angeles. Tickets are $5 and $7.

On Saturday, a workshop and performance will take place at the Lied Discovery Children's Museum, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. North, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Admission is $5.

And the East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., will host a dance concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults; children are admitted free.