Scarsdale Celebrates Diversity at the 2014 International Fair

Scarsdale celebrated its diversity on Sunday May 18 with a dazzling international display of the cultures, foods and traditions of Scarsdale's international population. Twenty two countries were celebrated in an elaborate event sponsored by the multi-cultural committees of the PTA's, PT Council and the Scarsdale School's Interdependence Institute.

Colorful flags of countries around the globe decorated the entry to Scarsdale High School where the event kicked off with a parade of nations to the music of Irish bagpipers. Choral, instrumental and dance performances were held throughout the event in the high school auditorium including a demonstration of Korean Tae Kwon Do, a Papua New Guinea dancer, an Irish fiddle performance from the renown Finbar Kantor and a Chinese face changer.

Simultaneously, booths representing each country were open in the cafeteria, displaying the history and culture of each. We saw Chinese calligraphy, Japanese origami, pastries from France, the food of New Guinea, games from Australia and henna from Pakistan. Parents, many wearing the garb of their native countries, seemed to be having just as much fun as their kids – celebrating and sharing their cultures with their American neighbors and each other.

As if that was not enough, an elaborate food court was assembled in the Board of Education room where exotic dishes were available to taste. From Brazil there was Feijoada – with pork, bean and beef jerky – falafel and pita from Israel, mumu – which is chicken ,fish and coconut from Papua, New Guinea, Lamingtons (eggs and strawberry jam) from Australia and shepherd's pie from Ireland.

Throughout the day there were demonstrations and games in the courtyard. The high school was swarming with activity and fun for people of all nations.

See the photo gallery below and send your own photos of the day to scarsdalecomments@gmail.com to share on Scarsdale10583.

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