By Anna Guido
Enquirer contributor

WEST CHESTER TWP. - Fun and history, along with celebration of diversity, will mix this weekend at the West Chester Freedom Fest.

A parade, rides, games, jugglers, multi-cultural exhibits, symphonic music, fireworks - and for the first time, beer - will highlight Freedom Fest at Voice of America Park on Tylersville Road. The festival is 3 p.m. to midnight today, and 3-10 p.m. Sunday.

New this year are multi-cultural exhibits and activities to celebrate diversity.

"The idea behind Freedom Fest is that the sharing of cultures will help bring understanding and eventually freedom and peace worldwide," events coordinator Michelle Morgan said.

Cincinnati's National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Soka Gakkai International, a Buddhist association that promotes peace, are hosting activities and exhibits.

Ohio's 200th birthday also will be part of the weekend festival. Today, an Ohio Bicentennial historic marker will be dedicated at 6:30 p.m. at the Voice of America Park museum. The Bicentennial markers - there are only 53 in the state - tell stories of Ohio history.

"The story of the Voice of America needs to be told and this historic marker will help to solidify the Bethany Station's place in the annals of history," township parks and recreation director Bill Zerkle said. The Voice of America Bethany Relay Station beamed programs overseas for nearly 50 years. It was developed as the United States' response to the wartime propaganda from Nazi Germany and Japan.

Also new at Freedom Fest is Sunday's 5 p.m. dedication of the Daisaku Ikeda Tree Grove. Dr. Ikeda is president of Soka Gakkai International and a writer, poet and peace activist. In 2001, West Chester Township bestowed honorary citizenship upon Ikeda and identified him as an international leader who exemplifies peace, dignity, and unity.

Ikeda and Soka Gakkai International donated 100 crabapple trees for the grove. During the dedication, 400 butterflies will be released.

Today's activities

All day: Balloon sculptures and jugglers

All day: Stock car show

5 p.m.: Parade, beginning at Keehner Park

3-8 p.m.: Multi-cultural exhibits and events

6-8 p.m.: Petting zoo and pony rides

6:30 p.m.: Historical marker unveiling

8:30 p.m.: West Chester Symphony patriotic concert

9:30 p.m.: Fireworks

Sunday's activities

All day: Balloon sculptures and jugglers

All day: Stock car show

3-8 p.m.: Multi-cultural exhibits and events

5 p.m.: Tree grove dedication

6-8 p.m.: Petting zoo and pony rides

9:30 p.m.: Balloon glow

Information/complete list of activities: Call the township parks and recreation department at 759-7301 or visit Web site.

E-mail annag1129@cs.com