What's the best way for people to get to know one another?

Through food and dance, of course.

At least that's the hope of the organizers of the second-annual Ethnic Festival, beginning 10 a.m. this Sunday.

"The Ethnic Festival is important so that the Austin community is able to realize the amount of different cultures, the diversity, in the community," said Bernardo Reinoso, program assistant at the Welcome Center.

The festival is organized by the Welcome Center and sponsored by many businesses in Austin. Last year about 2,000 people attended the event, which was held at the Center. This year it will be held at Todd Park and go from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The event begins with a soccer match between two local teams, Pachuca and Atletico Latino.

Pachuca Captain Juan Hernandez, of Austin, is looking forward to the game because it's part of a community event.

"I would like to be involved more with the community," he said. The team is part of an adult league based in Mankato and plays about 30 games a summer. The winner of Sunday's match will be given an award at 4 p.m.

After the match around 12 p.m., Mayor Bonnie Rietz will speak and the rest of the festivities will begin. Music from various cultures will perform throughout the day including Hispanic groups and a Scandinavian group called Wild Goose Chase. A group of youth will perform with hip hop music.

Local vendors will be set up with food native to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Vietnam. Restaurants Piggy Blues and Taste of Grace also will sell food.

"We want to make sure that everyone knows this is not just Hispanic or Vietnamese," Reinoso said. "This is for everyone. Everyone is part of an ethnic group."

The Kiwanis will have a youth tent for children with games and face painting. The Little Professor Book store will sell books and the Austin Medical Center will have a health tent with free screenings. An African storyteller will speak at 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

"It's really an event for the family," said Liliana Silvestry-Neilon, executive director of the Welcome Center.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at cari.quam@austindailyherald.com