A visit to the International Festival

The booths were set up in rows, making it easy to travel miles in mere seconds. Most of the booths were for Asian countries, with other countries thrown in the mix like Mexico, Sweden, Jamaica, Germany and more. Each country had its own way of showing its heritage. Most booths featured tables covered with an assortment of crafted items, whether food, jewelry or trinkets from that country.

There were items that had nothing to do with these cultures, though; hoodies with the Monster energy drink logo, U.S. military logo caps, rings, rosary beads, just to name a few.

The food, in abundance, ran the gamut from Jamaican beef patties and real Italian ice, to tastes of Egypt and China’s buffet. The Wine Garden had a clear view of the stage and featured a wide variety of beers and wines.

Speaking of the stage, I was able to see the Taiko drummers perform some pleasing and pounding music with a variety of drums, Irish river dancers in a synchronized choreography — with a couple mistakes — as well as Japanese fan dancers putting on a delicate show.

Throughout, a Chinese parade meandered the whole pavilion with participants wearing bright yellow and black suits, toting dragon costumes and puppets, and playing numerous instruments.