The second annual DeKalb International Food and Music Festival will be back and in full swing in a matter of days.

The event will be held at Northlake Mall Saturday, with the festivities getting under way at noon.

DeKalb County District 7 Commissioner Stan Watson, donning the festival coordinator’s hat, said he is hopeful the day will serve as a platform for celebrating diversity.

“We are excited to bring back the International Food and Music Festival and I am confident this year’s festival will unite the dynamic blend of cultures and traditions that continue to exist in our county,” said Watson.

The festival will feature multi-cultural cuisine and entertainment hailing from around the world — cultural groups from more than 32 countries will be represented.

As a reflection of its expressed purpose, the event essentially has the fingerprints of an eclectic collective.

Its other behind-the-scenes producers include DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis, former DeKalb CEO and State Sen. Liane Levetan, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and the DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as representatives from the Asian, West Indian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic and African communities.

“As Georgia’s most diverse county, we are proud to embrace DeKalb’s vibrant population, traditions and cultures, and we look forward to showcasing the talents of the international communities that call DeKalb home,” said Ellis in a statement.

The festival is slated to include cultural, educational and entertainment activities and attractions for residents of all ages — a host of interactive vendor displays, samples of cuisine from across the world and retail vendors highlighting their respective country’s markets will all be in the mix.

Agencies with an objective to serve the interests of the international community are also encouraged to attend, Watson said.

Festival admission and parking are free. Food vendors will price their products and taste samples.