Summerfest History

Some Interesting Facts and a Little History of Bountiful/Davis Summerfest International

1. Bountiful/Davis Summerfest International, or BDSI for short, is organized and put on each year by the Bountiful/Davis Art Center with the help of Bountiful City and other sponsors from Davis County and the surrounding area. Its humble beginnings go back to 1974 when it began as a small fine art festival on the Bountiful Tabernacle grounds.
2. In 1989, international folk dance was added to the festival and "Summerfest" became "Bountiful Summerfest International." BSI brings dancers and musicians from around the world each year. Now in its 16th year, BSI is one of the largest folk dance festivals in the Intermountain West. Each year performers represent many countries from around the world. In 2008 Bountiful Summerfest International's name was changed to Bountiful/Davis Summerfest International, to reflect the support of communities and residents throughout Davis County.
3. BDSI has always been most unique because of its blend of folk art with fine art. Some of Northern Utah's finest painters, sculptors, potters, and other artists are on hand each year to display and sell their pieces during BSI.
4. Drawing on the rich ethnic variety of this area, BDSI organizers always tempt patrons with foods from many different lands and cultures.
5. Hundreds of volunteers are needed to make BDSI happen. More than 1,800 hours of volunteer service are needed each year, making it one of the largest community events in Davis County.
6. BDSI is also a wonderful cultural exchange opportunity. Each year dozens of families are needed to house the dancers, musicians, directors, and dignitaries. As many as 350 visitors need to be housed for Summerfest week, each year.
7. Bountiful/Davis Summerfest International is the single largest fund-raiser each year that goes to support the Bountiful/Davis Art Center. But BDSI isn't all about making money. Summerfest includes an interactive outreach program that takes performers into the community as well as into year-round Davis County schools, teaching students about different cultures and letting them see it first hand.
8. The public part of BDSI kicks off Wednesday at 6 p.m. with a welcome ceremony by our local dignitaries at Bountiful City Hall. Immediately following the welcome, the free annual Street Dance will begin on Main Street, as part of Bountiful's newest community celebration, Streetfest! The Street Dance gives everyone the best opportunity to personally interact with our international guests as they teach traditional dance steps and invite us to participate with them.
9. Each year, as many as 1,500 children participate in fun art and cultural projects in the Children's Art Yard during the three-day festival.