International Festival 2013 served sunny side up
Picnickers at Forsyth Park were in for a treat as they became a part of the International Student Services Office’s 15th annual International Festival, an event which in past years was held along Broughton Street. There were 25 booths filled with representatives from countries all over the world including Turkmenistan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Peru, the Philippines, Vietnam and a few merchants from Savannah eager to showcase interesting aspects of their culture.
Students’ works were on sale at the Jewelry and Objects Student Association’s tent. “It’s a great opportunity for students to learn to get their work out there,” said Archer Skinner, an alumnus who was helping students run the booth. Once again, the Caribbean Students Association had their snow cone machine, a welcome treat on a hot day.
Scents from Ruan Thai, Sushi Zen, Middle Eastern Cuisine, Carlito’s Mexican Bar & Grill, Asian River and Taste of India wafted through the air as the crowd rocked away to the sounds of music from DJ Omar, who mixed a wide range of genres. There was never a dull moment on stage with non-stop entertainment ranging from a Chinese dance by graduate studies performing arts major Kaidi Li, the SCAD Drumline, and Salsa Savannah, to a performance by the university’s belly dance group.
The fashion show participants mingled with the crowd long after their debut on-stage and their bold costumes never failed to grant them a photo-op wherever they went.
Fourth-year student Blair Meadows was glad for the chance to meet other Caribbean people who do not attend the college, and attests that the change of venue was a great idea. “They should have it here more often. It was more accessible to the public.”
The weather also played a role in the higher turnout rate. “Two consecutive rainy days meant people wanted to get out, and what better place than Forsyth Park,” said Jeffery Jones, director of the International Student Services Office and a key organizer. Indeed, every age group was well catered to and the numerous activities included face painting, henna tattooing, printmaking demonstrations and writing your name in Korean. The representatives from the booths were eager to show off their displays and seemed to enjoy every moment while the entertainment on stage drew a small crowd at the front.
The grand finale was a high energy performance by Mystic NGR, a popular band that graced the staged for the 10th consecutive year. They played old favorites, and though many would have loved to have stayed beyond the 4 p.m. cut-off time, they promptly closed the show with Bob Marley’s “One Love” and for those few minutes there was an overwhelming sense of unity.
All can agree that they left satisfied, energized and best of all, with a host of memorable experiences to last them until next year.
