© 2010 Brian Davidson/Uncharted

Photographs by Alan Murray

Rexburg, Idaho, in some ways resembles any nameless town on the northwest coast of England during the height of the Vikings' power.

Time then was told by seasons, yes, but also by whether any given town had just been invaded, was about to be invaded, or lay somewhere in the middle, nervously awaiting the appearance of Viking sails on the horizon.

Time in Rexburg is also told by the seasons, yes, and also by successive invasions: Students pouring into Brigham Young University-Idaho sacking the local Wal-Mart. Sunbirds fleeing the heat of Arizona and buying up all the snow cones and rhubarb in sight.

Then there's the dancers.

And musicians.

A few singers.

Roadies and other hangers-on that make the Idaho International Folk Dance and Music Festival a reality in this town of 26,000 every year.

We see the sails on the horizon. They'll be here soon.

Maybe you will, too. Come to watch not only the teams dance, nor just to hear their musicians play, but to learn to dance with them at one of the free culture festivals or – and this happens more often than not – bump into them at one of the local stores as they're shopping, filling the air with exotic languages.

The festival will hold events in four Idaho cities this year, to celebrate the event's 25th anniversary. Here's when to come. A full schedule of events is available here.

Parades, opening and closing ceremonies, and youth culture days are free events. Tickets are available for the gala performances through information on the website listed above.

Burley, Idaho:

Wednesday July 28 – Parade at Rupert Square, 6:30 pm, followed by dancing at Rupert Park, 7 pm.
Thurs July 29 – Burley Youth Culture Day, 10am-2 pm, Burley High School. Evening performance pre-show, King Fine Arts Center, 7pm, gala performance at 7:30pm.
Friday July 30 – Evening performance pre-show, King Fine Arts Center, 7pm, gala performance at 7:30pm.

Rexburg, Idaho:

Saturday July 31 – Opening Ceremonies, Brigham Young Unviersity-Idaho Viking Stadium, 8pm.
Monday, August 2 – International Street Festival, 5-9 pm, Main Street Rexburg. International Parade, 6:30 pm. International Street Dance, 9-11 pm.
Thursday, August 5 – Rexburg Youth Culture, 9-12pm, 2-4pm, Madison Junior High School.
Friday, August 6 – Evening performance pre-show, BYU-Idaho Hart Auditorium, 7 pm. Gala performance, 7:30pm.
Saturday, Aug. 7 – Closing Ceremonies, Rexburg Smith Park, 11am-2pm. Evening pre-show, BYU-Idaho Hart Auditorium, 7 pm. Gala performance, 7:30 pm.

Rigby, Idaho

Monday August 2 – Rigby Youth Culture, 9am-12pm, Rigby High School.

Blackfoot, Idaho

Evening gala performance, 7 pm, Blackfoot Performing Arts Center.

Enjoy photos from last year's event above.