The Spartanburg International Festival was honored as the 2009 North Carolina/South Carolina Festival Association's Event of the Year!
People from more than 60 countries reside in Spartanburg, South Carolina and more than 100 international businesses make Spartanburg their home. In 1985 the City of Spartanburg hosted its first International Festival to celebrate Spartanburg's diverse community, today the International Festival has expanded its International connection to reach a more global audience attendance.
The Spartanburg International Festival is held each fall in beautiful Barnet Park. More than 8,000 people attend to celebrate and explore the world through food, music, dance, folk art and more
Since 2007 a country has been selected by International Cultures of Spartanburg to be the host country for the International Festival. The culture of the host country is represented in various ways throughout the festival. Past recipients include Germany in 2007, China in 2008, and the Continent of Africa in 2009. Our honored continent for 2010 is South America.
Avenue of Nations
"Tourists" can travel from Austria to Africa in the time it normally takes to make an airline reservation when strolling through the International Festival's Avenue of Nations. Get your name written in Chinese and learn how to say a few greeting words; Stop by Puerto Rico and play dominoes with them – it's their favorite pastime. Have you always wondered why a Hindu woman wears a dot on her forehead? You can ask when visiting the booth from India! The Avenue of Nations is the place to ask questions and learn about other cultures. It's also a chance for some Upstate residents to take a trip "back home" and reconnect with their roots. See one-of-a-kind artifacts, beautiful clothing, and authentic memorabilia as you meet people from all over the world.
International Boulevard of Food
Festival goers can sample foods from Germany, Japan, Jamaica, Greece, France, Kenya, the Middle East, Laos, and much much more. Guests who are 21 and over can also try different wines and beers from around the world. These food vendors offering global tastes will line St. John Street in front of Barnet Park
If you are a local non-profit group or one of Spartanburg's "International Restaurants" and interested in selling food at the 2010 International Festival, please contact Lisa Gosnell at 596-2787.
International Kids Zone
There's a lot to see and do in the Kid's Zone! Take a whack at a Piñata from Mexico, fold dragon origami fortune tellers, make finger cymbals out of oversized buttons, read geography factoids, take photos of family and friends with people in folk costumes and landmarks from around the world, and visit the Passport Office to get your passport for stamping at the main festival's Avenue of Nations. When you need a little break, spread a blanket out on the lawn and enjoy performers from around the world on the Kid's Zone stage. As always, all Kid's Zone crafts, activities, and entertainments are free.
International Trade Zone
Fair Trade exhibitors will be present in the International Trade Zone at International Festival. Fair Trade serves as an advocate for the preservation and transmission of folk arts worldwide. This diverse group of artists, cooperatives and humanitarian organizations help support improving economic conditions and the quality of life for many folk artists in their home communities. Come visit the vendors and purchase items that give back to the artisans and their community. There will also be an eclectic mix of commercial imports from around the globe for sale in the Trade Zone. Vendors display a variety of souvenir goods and items from the global trade market. Imports from China, Ireland, Japan Indonesia and more will be present. Come enjoy a global shopping experience!October is Fair Trade Month!
Global Sports Zone
All Types of sports are popular, but what sports can we call THE most popular in the world? Below is a list of the top six sports in the world based on participants and fans. - Football (Soccer) - It's no surprise that football, or what Americans call soccer, is the world's most popular sport to play and watch worldwide. An estimated 3.5 billion people either watch or play football. With so many other sports being popular, the United States still lags behind in their interest in soccer.
- Cricket -This English game originated in the sheep-raising country of the South East of England, where the short grass of the pastures made it possible to bowl or roll a ball of rags or wool at a target. Today the game is played using a bat and a ball and is most popular in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, some African and Caribbean countries. An estimated 3 billion people watch or play cricket each year.
- Field Hockey - This sport is one of the oldest competitive sports and dates back well before the Ancient Olympic Games. Today the sport has an estimated 2 billion players and fans, mostly in Asia and European countries as well as Australia and parts of Africa.
- Tennis - The fourth most popular sport has an estimated 1 billion players and fans from around the world. The history of tennis dates back several thousand years. Tennis tends to be popular in richer countries, including the United States, Asian countries, Australia and Europe. Four main tournaments called "Grand Slams" showcase professional matches worldwide: The Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon (played in England) and the U.S. Open.
- Volleyball -This sport originated in the United States, and is now just achieving the type of popularity in the U.S. that it has received on a global basis, where it ranks behind only soccer among participation sports. Brazil, Europe, Russia, china and Japan are some of the most popular countries outside the U.S. to participate in Volleyball.
- Table Tennis - Also known as Ping Pong, this sport is the sixth most popular sport worldwide with an estimated 900 million players and fans. Table Tennis originated in England as an after dinner activity for Victorians in the late 19th century. Today it is considered a competitive sport and is most popular in China, Dorea and Singapore
Visit the Global Sports Zone to learn more about these and other sports such as Rugby, Fencing, Lacrosse, Crochet & Bocce Ball.
Entertainment
The International Festival is a showcase for cultural dance, music and artistry. Set on three stages throughout the Festival grounds, festival goers can enjoy an array of entertainment. From Belly Dancers of India to Celtic music and Irish dance. The line-up of entertainment is set on three stages in and around Barnet Park. In addition to the stages, a variety of entertainment will roam the festival grounds. Entertainment Schedule coming soon….
Special Thanks to our 2010 Sponsors
October 2, 2010 - Barnet Park, Spartanburg, SC
Admission to International Festival is free and open to the public. |
