Mexican music, Chinese food, an Irish dancer in emerald green and an all-American electronic-basketball hoop set a multicultural tone at the Mokena Park District’s first Ethnic Fest Saturday.
The fest filled Main Park, 10925 LaPorte Rd., with hundreds of strollers and diners, who had come to sample cuisine ranging from burritos to Polish sausage, and to hear the music of Ireland, Mexico, Poland, China, Italy and Germany as well as a little country music.
The park’s picnic pavilion was converted into five miniature kitchens, featuring Mexican, Chinese, Italian and Polish food.
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The showcase wasn’t restricted to immigrant cultures. Midwest SOARRING, or Save Our Ancestors’ Remains and Resources Indigenous Network Group, distributed information about its mission to inform people about the Native American culture and preserving ancient burial grounds.
“What’s happening here is a nice beginning,” said Joe Schranz, SOARRING president. “It’s good to see something other than your own” culture.
There was a chance to trace one’s heritage, with the help of computers supplied by the Joliet Family History Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“When you come to an ethnic fest, you’re thinking about the contributions of all the different ethnic groups. Everyone has a source. It’s a community interest,” said church member George Jarvi of New Lenox.
Jarvi’s computers represented the high-tech approach to genealogy. Marilyn Grey of Frankfort, a descendant of the Yunker family, which came to the Lincoln-Way area from Switzerland, had some old-fashioned family mementos, including antique photos and her grandmother’s leather-bound Bible.
Irish-dancing students, who take classes from Madeliene and Toni Weber at the Mokena Park District, are getting in touch with their Irish roots through performing, said Kate Schwartz, 18, of Chicago, one of the performers.
Step dancing has other benefits, too.
“I love performing, and I think it’s wonderful to have my own special talent,” said Megan Horsch, 17, of Homewood.
And the audience was appreciative.
With glitter in her hair and a rainbow painted on her face, Jackie Tanis, 4, of Frankfort said, “I liked watching the step dancers and the jumping.”
Fiorella Jennings, special events coordinator for the Park District, said the event was designed “to have everyone know our neighbors. We should learn to appreciate each other.”