PAGE 10 • March 2022 •
TABLE HOPPING
Business of Interest by Nancy Roberts
International Taste Festival Food Entertainment Family Fun
A friend has a passion: cultural festivals. He can never wait for the festival season to kick off every year in the Syracuse area. He’d often dress the part so he could enjoy the food, music, culture, art and sense of “being” that only an event dedicated just to the enjoyment of an ethnic group could bring. Needless to say, when “sick” season curtailed “festival” season, he was sorely disappointed.
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I had learned, too, as I read M.C. Antil’s Floor Burns, which is now available and reviewed in these pages some months back, how waves of immigrants had shaped the neighborhoods, factories, churches and pubs of Syracuse over the years, each bringing a distinct “flavor” to one small city. Many of these festivals will continue – but one, “Festival of Nations,” had a certain pride of place as it was held each year at the War Memorial, bringing together any and all ethnic groups to celebrate together in one, big, diverse, delightful way. It was discontinued in the 80s, and while, as noted, Syracuse continues its proud tradition of festivals, a void was created when the “all at once” event ceased. Coming in April, the “International Taste Festival,” a fresh, new take on a gathering that comes in many different flavors, will debut in the Central New York area. Stephanie Pestillo, the International Taste Festival event planner, worked with a diverse team to bring the event together, as she explained what inspired the creation of the festival. She explained, “I’m from the CNY area, and I appreciate just how wonderfully diverse our community is. With so many limits placed on the dedicated festivals
in the past two years, we thought the time was right to come together, and to bring together the many different communities and cultures, all in one location. Foods of the Americas, Tastes of Europe, Asian Creations, Middle Eastern Treats and Pan-African Cuisine, and so much more – there is truly something for everyone to enjoy at the International Taste Festival!” Another feature of the festival is $2 ‘tastes’ of the various cuisines – or you can choose to get a full portion of your favorites at regular menu prices. It’s up to you, graze, or try to pick just one! “Part of the event is the 5k/10k Taste Fest Race to be held on Saturday, April 9th – you can check the Facebook Festival Page for registration information. Winners will be announced between 12:30pm and 1:00pm on Saturday. There will be 5k and 10k Overall and Masters Overall M/F Awards, and Age Group M/F Awards in both 5k and 10k as well.” Stephanie stressed that not only are Central New Yorkers “hungry” for some favorite worldwide cuisine and ethnic gifts and treats, but many of the dedicated musicians and performers haven’t been able to show off their beloved arts to the community for many months – but the Festival’s lineup of entertainment is sure to be a feast for the ears and eyes, as well as the taste buds.
