TOWAMENCIN- The North Penn community celebrated cultural diversity during the 26th International Spring Festival on Saturday. There were various activities to partake in, including cultural exhibits, food, music, dancing, children’s crafts, and even a hot air balloon ride. The event was a hit, as illustrated by the staggering turnout.

“We estimate somewhere around 6,000 people showed up,” Kinan Padgaonkar, a member of the Food Committee of the International Spring Festival Planning Committee, said.

Every year, the International Spring Festival Committee prepares for the event starting in September. A lot of work goes into it, and at least 150 volunteers are needed to make it happen.

“It’s all free. We don’t get anything; We don’t get paid. We just do it for the love of community,” Riham Halvorsen of the Exhibits Committee stated.

The festival  is the second biggest event in the community (behind graduation) and the biggest indoor event. Halvorsen has been volunteering since the very beginning and has noticed how much the festival has expanded over the years.

“[The exhibits] used to be a small section [in the cafeteria], but then it got so big we moved it to the gym,” Halvorsen said. “It just keeps growing”

Bob Vail, a community member who has been vending his specialty coffee at the festival for six years, agreed.

“There’s more food vendors and people,” Vail said.

Vail, like many other community members, has been coming back to the festival year after year.

“It’s not so much about selling the stuff that I have,” Vail said. “It’s a community thing. I like meeting all of the different people.. I like the music.”

Cassie Ahsan, a senior who enjoyed playing instruments and trying new food, has been attending the festival every year since her sophomore year.

“I love looking at all the cultures and learning new stuff,” Ahsan said. “This is one of my favorite events at North Penn”

Halvorsen commented on what makes the festival such a hit and why people come back year after year.

“You get to know a lot of people. I think if I kept to myself I wouldn’t meet as many, so it’s been an honor to work with so many people,” Halvorsen said. “I love the people that I work with and I love to see their families come and bring their kids and introduce them to different cultures. I think it’s fun.”

Mohana Padgaonkar of the food committee also commented on what makes the festival worthwhile.

“The community people come together and enjoy music and food, that’s what people like,” Mohana said.

Halvorsen, like many other committee members and volunteers, felt that her work pays off year after year.

“I just think it’s important for the community to have a fun get to know you type festival. It’s so much work but it’s so worth it,” Halvorsen said.

Mohana, like many others, looks forward to attending the festival in the future.

“This is the 26th year. We are looking forward to the 50th anniversary,” stated Mohana.