Updated: Parade of Nations to feature 80 nations, cultural groups, Cass Tech Marching Band Sept. 18

The Cass Tech Marching Band performs on the Portage Lift Bridge during the 2007 Parade of Nations. The popular Detroit band returns this year for the 21st annual Parade of Nations. Click on photos for larger versions. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

HOUGHTON -- This Saturday, Sept. 18, Michigan Technological University will hold its annual Parade of Nations. The event, celebrating its 21st year, features representation from more than 80 nations and cultural organizations by students, staff and faculty from both Michigan Tech and Finlandia universities, joined by community participants.

Finnish students from Finlandia and Michigan Tech universities march across the bridge from Hancock to Houghton during the 2009 Parade of Nations. (2009 photos and video clips by Keweenaw Now)

This year, the parade’s theme is "Many Nations -- One Heart." Parade participants will will march through the streets of downtown Houghton and Hancock while displaying the flag of their nation and wearing traditional dress.

African students from Michigan Tech represent several countries in the 2009 Parade of Nations.

The parade is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. at Hancock Middle School and will conclude at Dee Stadium in Houghton. Following the parade, the public can enjoy a variety of ethnic foods, music and crafts at the Multicultural Food and Music Festival, also at Dee Stadium.

A colorful banner announces "Puerto Rico, the enchanted island." (2009 photo)

The Cass Tech Marching Band will march in the parade, perform at the Multicultural Food and Music Festival, and entertain during half-time at Saturday’s Michigan Tech football game against Wayne State University, which begins at 1 p.m. at Sherman Field.

Japanese students and friends wear colorful traditional dress in the 2009 Parade. They are joined by Mariana Tonchev of Bulgaria (third from left).

Chinese students from Michigan Tech and Finlandia march together during the 2009 Parade.

Free shuttle services will be provided by the City of Houghton. Shuttles will leave the Michigan Tech's Memorial Union Building from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Videos and more photos from the 2009 Parade of Nations:

Boliviamanta, a Bolivian-American dance group, performs on the Portage Lift Bridge during the 2009 Parade of Nations. The theme last year was "Dancing with Diversity."

Turkish families and students march in the 2009 Parade.

Susan LaFernier of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) accompanies the Native American float in the 2009 Parade.

Michigan Rep. Mike Lahti (D-Hancock) and Michigan Tech University Dean of Students Gloria Melton join the 2009 Parade of Nations in Hancock.

Guatemala is well represented in the 2009 Parade of Nations by members of CCGAP (Copper Country Guatemala Accompaniment Project).

Members of the Argentine "delegation" march in the 2009 Parade.

Members of Michigan Tech's Husky Tae Kwon Do group do a demonstration on the bridge during the 2009 Parade of nations.

Finnish students sell their traditional baked goods and dance during the 2009 Parade of Nations Multicultural Food and Music Festival in Dee Stadium.

Lucas and Marisa Lago serve Argentine empanadas and stew to a customer during the 2009 Parade of Nations Multicultural Food and Music Festival.

Keweenaw Now's Gustavo Bourdieu joins his compatriots Marisa and Lucas for a photo after all their homemade traditional specialties have been sold.

A Chinese dancer performs in Dee Stadium during the 2009 Parade of Nations Multicultural Food and Music Festival.