TOWAMENCIN-This weekend North Penn’s parking lot was crowded as reportedly thousands of participants, dancers, viewers, and members of the community came out to join the celebrations of the 22nd annual International Festival hosted Saturday, April 20th 2013. The halls were transformed with artwork as people mingled their way through the school taking in the various displays of cultural diversity as local bands and traditional music reverberated through the corridors.
From its opening at 10 am until its finale at 4pm, the attendance was spectacular: a constant bustle of people. People from all around came either to expose the community to specific cultures or to explore new ethnic traditions, ultimately embracing the melting pot that makes up North Penn today.
Commotion was present even at the entrance and live music greeted guests walking in performed by various local, talented musicians. Continuing through the halls towards the J pod, giant displays of artwork decorated the walls and created a path leading guests towards the main attraction in the gym.
In the main gym, dozens of tables were set up each representing a different country and complete with tiny trinkets, colorful garments, and traditional components respective to that country. The tables touched multiple continents of the world and the tables included things from authentic woven blankets from Argentina, to delicate dolls from Bangladesh, and to intricately designed, traditional garments from Afghanistan. Kids were able to go around to the tables collecting stamps for their “passports,” all the while learning facts about the different countries they “visited.” Many of the tables included crafts such as decorating mini wooden maracas; however, the giant blow up obstacle course and play house were the main draw for small children (though a fee did apply).
All the tables in the main gym where centered around the stage where custom dances and performances took place all day. My personal favorite was a very impressive performance from the Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. There was also the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble that put on a stellar performance and captivated many audience members.
Additionally, a family health fair was going on in the auxiliary gym to add a physical education component to the day. The goal: to educate and energize families to get healthy and fit and learn about the importance of exercise.
The day was incomplete until guests made their way to the cafeteria where numerous local restaurants sold authentic dishes embracing traditional world cuisines such as Nadia’s, providing a French-Thai twist, or Joa Sushi, adding Japanese to the menu. Even Hatfield Meats and Maggie Moos were there providing options for any non-adventurous eaters and snack-seekers.
The day allowed people to explore multiple cultures in depth on various levels and the integration and immersion of cultural knowledge and acceptance definitively creates a sense of peace as rapports between friends, families, and cultures are strengthened. Being American, cultural history and different backgrounds are inevitable as families at one point immigrated here whether that had been five generations or three or even just recently. Our family history defines who we are and contributes to the diverse community we live in today and this festival allows us to celebrate those differences.