International Festival a Hit With Community

The Barrington Breakfast Rotary Club’s first annual International Festival has left its mark on the community. The idea behind the event was not only to give citizens of Barrington and its surrounding communities a taste of the many cultures that can be found in our country, but to be a fun and entertaining experience for everyone to enjoy.

The festival was successful in achieving its goal. Visitors of the festival not only learned about the attending groups, they enjoyed the many types of food, music, shopping, and activities provided for all ages. Variety was the name of the game as vendors such as Siam Rice Thai Cuisine, Ambrosia, McGonigal’s Pub, Kaleidoscoops, and Cooper’s Pizza were offered. Music ranged from Bollywood to salsa dancing, Inkapirka, Chinese drumming and Irish pipe bands.

People who purchased wears and items from the festival left with a piece of culture and also assisted the growth of fair trade between vendors and the different cultural groups and co-ops involved with the festival. Kids frequented games including bags, blowing bubbles, and basket toss.

Barrington resident Diane Nosek was originally drawn to the festival in order to listen to the music and experience a new event in the community.

“I came for the music and the Bollywood dancing, and I’m especially impressed by the pipe players. Their playing looked more difficult than I thought," Nosek said.

Nosek also commented on all of the press coverage the event received, which is how she learned about International Festival.  

“I was excited to come, and so far I think it’s very nice," she said.

Although the event took place in the heart of Barrington, residents from its surrounding communities were drawn in as well. Rebecca Vieyra of Crystal Lake attended the event with her family, and was impressed with the authentic cultural cuisine.

“I would definitely come back. The variety of the different vendors is great and it looks to be successful. The pastries are excellent and the Shepherd’s pie even has real lamb," she said. 

Craig Hollins, a director of the Language Stars program, was on hand to encourage kids of all ages to learn a new language.

“We offer many languages including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, etc. All teachers are of the native tongue as research has shown that children learn better by mimicking the native accent,” Hollins explained. 

Visitors to the festival were not the only ones happy with the outcome. Rotary member Gary Lemon felt all the hard work and effort behind the International Festival paid off.

“We’re excited that there are lots of groups coming in and getting the chance to be entertained and exposed to informational flavor and new experiences," Lemon said.

When asked about plans for next year, Lemon said the Rotary Club will meet and discuss possible additions to the event as well as making changes in order to make the festival even more successful. With the International Festival being as fun and enriching as it was this year, it is safe to say that Barrington and its surrounding communities have a new tradition to look forward to.