The Apple Blossom Preschool hosted a Nomadic Cultural Festival last Saturday put on by The Yurt at Apple Blossom Productions, together with Ballet Prestige on Waseca Ave, BayCoast Bank and musicians Aijan Tea and her husband Ted Walls.

The festival focused on the nomadic people of Kazakhstan, who traveled in yurts. Guest arrived to try a traditional Kazakh rice pilaf; children of all ages enjoyed making crafts while listening to traditional music played on a Kazakh instrument called the prima kobyz. Dancers from Ballet Prestige performed two pieces influenced by traditional folk dances choregraphed by Vera Kurmasheva, owner of the ballet studio, who studied dance in Kazakhstan.

Guests learned more about nomadic cultures with educational poster boards hung around the property, the yurt was decorated with traditional pillows and wall hangings, original artwork by Daniyar and Asylgul Baidaralin, handcrafted hats and slippers and other items were available for sale.

A tiny house trailer built by Dave Carney was parked out front to show how the modern nomad might live. It was a beautiful day, and The Yurt at Apple Blossom hopes it to be the first of many community events hosted at 136 County Rd.