JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Downtown Jacksonville is coming alive this weekend as the city hosts the World of Nations Celebration and the Jax College Baseball Classic.
The World of Nations event, which is in its 33rd year, features 35 different countries. Organizers say it offers a great opportunity to experience rich tradition and heritage without leaving Northeast Florida.
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Music and dance performances are scheduled throughout the event, which began Saturday morning and will continue on Sunday, but attendees will also have a chance to receive history lessons and learn more about some of the participating countries.
Additionally, downtown Jacksonville is hosting the Jax College Baseball Classic just steps away from the World of Nations event at Financial Ballpark, featuring Alabama, Coastal Carolina, NC State, and Ohio State as they face off in a round-robin tournament.
The tournament started on Friday and continued into Saturday evening.
One Jacksonville resident who was born and raised in Ohio, Jerry Talarico, said he wished he knew about the event sooner, but added that it offers him a unique chance to see his Buckeyes in action.
“I did not know about it until my friend from Alabama came out last night and he was telling me they’re going to it,” Talarico said. “And then he told me that Ohio State was playing it in it as well, so I will look and get tickets.”
And if all that isn’t enough, maybe some professional bull riding can pique your interest.
Professional Bull Riding (PBR) is in town at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday night, where Florida Freedom will be taking on the New York Mavericks for a head-to-head team challenge.
The action starts at 7:45 p.m. and will wrap up tomorrow at 2:45 p.m.