Credit. Gilbert by Wasim Sroya

On another stage, a blindfolded professional trick roper cracked an expert whip around a pretty cowgirl who barely winced.

Such were the sights and sounds of Gilbert Global Village Festival Saturday. Last year’s fest was rained out, but the eighth annual festival was blessed with sunshine and high temperatures.

Organizer Gayle Disch was happy with the turnout. “We started half hour earlier than we have in previous years and we have got people coming already, at 9.30,” she said. “So we are happy.”

The free celebration of world cultures is organized by Gilbert’s Community Services Department, Gilbert Sister Cities, Gilbert Public Schools and the Human Relations, Culture and Arts Promotion Commission.

Eight years ago, Disch and Gilbert volunteers Elizabeth Cress-Sweet and Tami Smull joined forces to present a family-friendly, free, inclusionary festival that would celebrate the visual and the performing arts. They also aimed to educate the community about other cultures. The first year, about 1,500 people came and there were 15 nations represented in the Parade of Nations.