On Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 at Barnet Park in Spartanburg, SC, the 26th International Festival will offer visitors a full day of experiencing the world! While attending this free annual event, you will learn about many countries, their culture, dance and folk art without leaving Spartanburg! The purpose of Spartanburg’s International Festival is to celebrate our diverse county as well as to reach out internationally and attract a global audience to Spartanburg. Spartanburg is home to people from more than 70 countries and each year since the festival’s inception in 1985, attendance has grown to approximately 8,000 annually. What can you expect when you attend the Spartanburg International Festival? Following are all of the details for this family-friendly educational, fun and FREE event!
Where: Barnet Park 248 E. St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC (864-596-3105)
When: Oct. 1, 2011- 11:00AM-7:00PM
Parking: Free in downtown parking garages
Food/beverages must be purchased with tickets. 1 ticket=$1.00 (tickets available at 3 booths)
Alcoholic beverages will only be sold to those 21 and older with an ID and a wrist band purchased at the festival for $1.00.
Pets not allowed
Spartanburg’s 2011 International Festival Honors Europe’s Nordic Region
Each year the festival chooses a country or continent to honor and highlight in various ways throughout the event. This year it is Europe’s Nordic Region which includes Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden! These countries will be represented at the front entrance of Barnet Park and throughout the festival.
Spartanburg’s 2011 International Festival: Avenue of Nations
On this special fall day, put on your tourist cap as you stroll through the festival’s “Avenue of Nations.” There will be 32 nations from Austria to the Ukraine represented. At each location’s booth, you will see and get to talk to people from the country, ask questions, view authentic memorabilia, clothing and unique artifacts, and get free brochures, fact sheets, etc… from the represented nation. It may be that you reside in the Upstate currently and are revisiting the country from where you were born. For you it will seem like a reunion! Use the time at each nation’s booth to introduce your children to the world and diverse cultures, and let them ask questions they are curious about regarding the nation. They may even learn some words in another language, or get their name written in Chinese! There are many possibilities for learning and fun as you stroll through the “Avenue of Nations.”
Spartanburg’s 2011 International Festival: Boulevard of Food
As a Spartanburg native and yearly attendee, the “Boulevard of Food” is my favorite indulgence at the festival. After all, it’s not often that I have the opportunity to try so many authentic and diverse foods from each of the nations represented all in one venue! In addition to food sampling, guests of the festival who are 21 or older with an ID and wrist bracelet can try beers and wines from the various countries. The Boulevard of Food is indeed a moveable feast!
Spartanburg’s 2011 International Festival: Kids Zone
At the festival’s “Kids Zone” there will be crafts, activities, and entertainment from performers around the globe on the Kids Zone Stage, all of which are FREE! Make sure to stop by the “Kids Zone” before taking them on the “Avenue of Nations” tour. There will be a passport available to children at the passport office located in the Kids Zone. They can take the passport and get it stamped at each nation’s booth visited at the “Avenue of Nations.” You can take photos of family and friends at the” Kids Zone” with people dressed in folk costumes.
Spartanburg’s 2011 International Festival: Trade Zone
Fair trade exhibitors, which serve as advocates for the preservation and transmission of folk arts globally, will be at the “Trade Zone” with crafts for sale. You will also be able to purchase items from an eclectic mix of commercial imports from around the world, including Ireland, China, Japan, and Indonesia. Use this as an opportunity to get some one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts. It’s not too early to start shopping for Christmas!
Spartanburg’s 2011 International Festival: Global Sports Zone
At the “Global Sports Zone” learn about Fencing, Karate, Lacrosse, Bocce Ball and more!
Spartanburg’s 2011 International Festival: Entertainment Zone
In addition to roaming entertainment on the grounds of the festival, there will be 3 stages where you can enjoy cultural dance, music and artistry, from Middle Eastern Belly Dancing to Celtic music and Irish dance.
Plan now to visit Barnet Park in Spartanburg, SC on Saturday Oct. 1, 2011 for the 26th International Festival! It will be a full day, so come dressed comfortably and appropriate for the weather. Also bring an attitude of patience and fun, and make it a memorable day for the entire family. You may like it so much you make it an annual family tradition! Don’t forget your camera!
Source:
cityofspartanburg.org