More than 800 students at Blandford Elementary will gather in costume May 2 to represent six different countries and cultures from around the globe in the school’s annual international arts festival.

The program will begin at 8:30 a.m., with students performing dances from each of the countries represented. In the afternoon, the internationally-known group Dancing Drums will put on an interactive drumming program for the students.

The arts festival began in 2006 and was the vision of retired principal Karen Durkin.

BES will have an art sale and raffle as part of the festival, with all proceeds benefitting its fine arts program.

Blandford art teacher Lindsey Gerow has organized several displays featuring a variety of artwork created by each student. The artwork will be available for purchase.

Also, a custom-made Blandford skateboard has been donated by Jimmy McIntosh, the owner of Underground Skateboard and Clothing Company. Raffle tickets for the skateboard will be sold for $1 each.