COMMUNITY NEWS
Weston World Fest A One-of-a-Kind Event of World Cultures on Display
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even years ago, new Arts Council Weston World Fest with my fellow of Greater Weston Board member, Commissioners, watching and waving to Carol Lema, accompanied by then the hundreds of families drive through president Jami Nix Rahn, went to the City in what can only be called a one-of-aof Weston with a proposal for a new event, kind event of world cultures on display. based on Lema’s years of living abroad Everyone had smiles from ear-to-ear in South America and Europe. It would and captured the magnificent costumes, highlight Weston’s rich cultural diversity music, and dancing on video to share. It through country booths, international cuiwas just magical. Another Arts Council sine and entertainment. Both the City and reimagined first in the COVID era. All we the Arts Council Board enthusiastically can say is Bravo.” backed the idea. That was the beginning ACGW’s graffiti wall was hand-painted of Weston World Fest. Five years later, by student artists Camila Macias, Valeria the award-winning event would grow to Parra, and Viviana Alverez and served bring more than 2,500 attendees in 2020. as the backdrop for a photo shoot as It was the last large-scale program held the cars passed by on their way out. in Weston before the pandemic changed The Weston Music society provided live the landscape. music from Cypress Bay students and As Event Director and Founder Lema the Weston Art guild advertised their was mulling over how to have the event juried art show at the Weston Branch safely, a country booth coordinator Library. Student volunteers helped set emailed her saying, “My group is ready. up and man the event, while volunteers What’s this year’s theme, and what are we from the Okapi Wanderer’s Rugby team doing?” And that was the beginning of helped direct attendees into the event. the Weston World Fest 2021 Drive-Thru. ACGW President Laura Dobrzanski Lema says, “I was moved by the enthusishared her reaction to the day, “It asm of this year’s country booth directors. was fantastic to have almost 200 cars We knew it would be a challenge to complete the route. Traffic remained reinvent the Fest for health protocols, but steady which kept the flow very exciting the love and effort they put into creating and meaningful for all involved. With these booths for the community to enjoy the help of many dedicated volunteers was really remarkable. They truly are the and their terrifically innovative ideas we heart of this event.” were delighted to present this event in The event encouraged attendees to partnership with the City and delighted decorate their own vehicles illustrating the that the community clearly appreciated country of their family’s heritage before this event.” they drove thru the event route. They City of Weston Special Events experienced the “Music of the World” at Manager Annalisa Walker shared, “What 16 different booths with elaborate displays, a wonderful opportunity to showcase all waving their country’s flag. Fernanda Weston’s culturally diverse community Scatassa, who manned the parking lot under beautiful blue skies. I can tell you where the cars were decorated, says, “I from directing traffic at the front as vehiwas overwhelmed by the joy of everyone cles entered and exited the tent loop, at the parking lot preparing their cars with people were smiling and very thankful such pride and enthusiasm. It felt like they for yet another opportunity for commuwere celebrating their heritage as well as nity engagement in a safe environment the Weston Community itself.” with beautiful weather. Kudos to all who were involved at every level.” Mayor Margaret Brown expressed the City’s appreciation. “Being at the 54 / Our City Weston / April 2021 / OurCityMedia.com
