The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) will host the sixth annual International Festival (iFEST) of North Alabama, on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9:30 a.m., until 5 p.m., on the grounds of the University Fitness Center (UFC).
iFEST 2015 is presented by the International Society of Huntsville (ISH) and UAH. The UFC is located on the UAH campus at 500 John Wright Drive NW at Holmes Avenue NW, east of Jordan Lane. iFEST co-sponsors include the UAH Offices of Advancement, Diversity, M. Louis Salmon Library and the UFC. The event is open to the public with no admission charge.
The iFEST chairperson is Dr. Belinda Ong, Director of Research, Information and User Services at the UAH Louis Salmon Library. Ong is the past president of the International Society of Huntsville. For more information, contact Belinda Ong at 256.824.6432, ongb@uah.edu or visit: www.internationalsocietyofhuntsville.org.
The one-day family friendly event features cultural performances, the parade of nations and an international open air market, showcasing international food vendors, crafts and arts, and food trucks. There will be free activities for children and college students. Festivities begin at 9:30 a.m., with a ribbon cutting and the Parade of Nations led by the Chinese Lion Dancers and Drummers. The spotlight countries this year are Peru and China. New countries represented are Syria, Belarus and the Dominican Republic.
First-time iFEST performers will include the Natyananda Dance Company, (traditional/original Southern Indian Bharatanatyam-style choreographic works); Danza de las Tijeras, (Peruvian "Scissors Dancer"); Just Gracey (performing old soul favorites and top radio hits); and the Marcel Portilla Latin Band (Salsa, Bachata and Merengue). Also new this year is Global Games, located in the iFEST Children's Area (UFC basketball court and gym).
Food truck vendors include Neon Lilly-Café on Wheels, Pearl Vietnamese and Hawaiian Subs, Brain Freeze Mobile Ice Cream, Food Fighters Bustaurant, Badd Newz BBQ, and Tim's Cajun Kitchen.
Additional iFEST co-sponsors include the Chinese Students and Scholars Association and Indian Student Association.
About ISH: The mission of the International Society of Huntsville, is to promote the international community in Northern Alabama through cultural, educational, and social programming. ISH exists to broaden awareness of diverse cultures from around the world while promoting a better understanding of the social, traditional, and historical aspects that affect the world we live in.
A detailed entertainment schedule of events for iFEST 2015 can be found below: