Enjoy cuisine from around the world and multicultural performances without leaving Holly Springs town limits! The first-ever Holly Springs International Food Festival is set for Friday, May 6, 5:00-9:00 p.m. along W. Ballentine St. outside the Cultural Center.
The new festival celebrates different cultures and is bringing in a variety of food and beverages from about a dozen food trucks representing Africa, Ecuador, Mongolia and other ethnicities. Beverages from Bombshell Beer Company and Chatham Hill Winery also will be available for sale.
Bring a blanket and chairs for lawn seating outside the Cultural Center to enjoy performances by:
Oak City Polka – Enjoy polka music on the lawn! Polka music originated in Bohemia, which now is part of the Czech Republic.
The Lost Nomads – Enjoy Middle Eastern rhythms and music by this band that had its beginnings in the belly dance community of central North Carolina. Instruments include the oud, saz, ney, bass guitar, drums, djembe, flute, cumbus, violin, qanun and others.
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Ewes Tree Band – A traditional Irish folk band. Tap your feet to the sounds of the accordion, concertina, guitar, banjo, mandolin and tin whistle.
“We’re very excited for the festival,” said Rachel Porter, Town of Holly Springs Marketing & Special Events Coordinator. “The community has expressed the desire for more multicultural activities, and this is a first step in offering an event that celebrates the variety of cultures and traditions of people in our town.”
The Town of Holly Springs event is being conducted in partnership with the Holly Springs Interfaith Alliance and the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce.
“One of the goals of the Holly Springs Interfaith Alliance is to work together towards unity, love, and acceptance for the betterment of all people in the community. An event like the International Food Festival that highlights and celebrates the cultural diversity of our town aligns very well with that goal,” said Mark Savoldi, Holly Springs Interfaith Alliance chair. “We felt that providing our support would demonstrate our commitment to doing just that. And who doesn’t like good food, too!”
“The Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce is proud to participate in the 2022 International Food Festival,” said Debra Kuffner, Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “This celebration of cultural diversity expands the opportunity for local businesses to meet the community and learn about world cultures and diversity right here in Holly Springs. We invite our members to join us for an evening of global cuisine, networking, live music and artistic performances.”
“We hope the community comes out and enjoys this festival, and that the festival inspires other local organizations to also host other multicultural events and activities,” Porter said.
View details, a list of food vendors, and the performance schedule online at: www.hollyspringsnc.gov/foodfestival.
