For two days, under the most sparkling of clear blue skies, families took part in the 39th Annual Wolf Trap International Children’s Festival. On Sept. 19 and 20, local performers, international performers, and activity centers spread throughout the meadow, showcased the dance and music of American and foreign cultures. Spanish dancers in native dress, Chinese children from Fairfax County celebrating their heritage, performers in folk dress from Georgia, Serbia and Ireland were among those who danced on Wolf Trap’s six stages scattered throughout the national park.

As guests passed through the gates early Sunday morning, a juggling mime greeted them. Roving entertainers showed skills and posed for photos.

Children clapped their hands to music, posed with performers and, frequently, danced along to the sounds. Begun in 1971, the International Children’s Festival at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts was founded to introduce new cultures, and to teach the global role of the arts in the lives of man, to children and their families.

“We’re an international family and we want to expose Grace to international cultures,” said Kara McCarty of Vienna. Kara and 2-year-old daughter Grace accompanied by Kara’s mother, Joann Lowell of Raleigh, N.C., clapped and swayed as the Alte Kamaraden German band played German folk music and polkas.

Eighty-six local groups and artists, and three international troupes from Spain, Georgia and Serbia — more than 400 participants — engaged more than 8,000 ticket holders over the course of the weekend festival. Spain, Serbia and Georgia hosted crafts tents, as did local visual artists.

The youngsters of the Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe were born in China and study dance of their native culture at the Vienna Community Center. Garbed in glowing yellow and red, the children performed traditional dance on Sunday afternoon.

The Rhythm Street Dance Center from Herndon featured dancers from grade-schoolers through teens. “It’s important to interest kids,” said Jordyn Disher of Herndon. “This shows them they can get fit and stay healthy through dance. It really works your abs and thighs.” Disher’s dance team member Mary DeFriest of Great Falls called the festival a “fun day, doing what we really like to do.”

Artists from the Vienna Arts Society presented artwork and talked to guests about art and their organization. “It’s important that children be exposed to the arts, all the arts, performance and visual,” said Patrick Conte of Vienna, who spearheaded the local effort. “And we’re here to welcome people to join our organization.” To a 13-month-old, Conte said, “you’re never too young to learn about the arts.”