Village officials are showcasing the area’s rich diversity of residents through the second annual Oak Brook International Festival, from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 at Oak Brook Bath & Tennis, 800 Oak Brook Road.
The parking entrance for the free event will be at the Oak Brook Public Library, 600 Oak Brook Road.
“The Oak Brook International Festival celebrations foster a sense of universal brotherhood and sisterhood, creating a platform where diverse cultures come together in unity,” Village Board member Suresh Reddy said. “By promoting peace and harmony, these events encourage understanding and respect for different traditions and ways of life.”
The Oak Brook International Festival will have a variety of offerings, including live entertainment, cultural exhibits, raffle prizes to some of Oak Brook’s premier restaurants, and food vendors with a wide variety of options.
Nine countries will be represented at the event: Greece, India, Italy, Mexico, Bolivia, Pakistan, Palestine, Syria and the United States.
There will be a mehndi artist in the Pakistan tent and an Arabic calligrapher in the Palestine/Syria tent. The Lizzadro Lapidary Art Museum also will have a tent this year. Entertainment includes Benjamin de Los Monreros, an opera tenor, sponsored by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans.
“Each of these tents has several Oak Brook resident volunteers, who spearheaded obtaining entertainment and food vendors from their cultures as well as deciding how they will showcase their cultures,” said Netasha Scarpiniti, The Oak Brook village clerk who also is on the Steering Committee for the International Festival.
“We will have a diverse selection of food vendors that I hope participants will try,” she said. “I am hoping that friends and family members will purchase food from different vendors and then share the food so that everyone can try a variety of delicious ethnic foods.”
Along with the opportunity to experience the various represented cultures, International Fest also is a great way for attendees to interact, said village President Larry Herman.
“This event allows us to meet our neighbors, learn from them and hear their unique stories and background,” he said. “I encourage opportunities to unite our community.”
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Scarpiniti said planning for the International Festival has been ongoing since last year by the Steering Committee, which is made up residents, including Reddy, Scarpiniti, Oak Brook Park Board member Mario Vescovi and Oak Brook Community Engagement Committee members Gabby Woods and Kaarina Lebrun, who is also on the Butler Elementary District 53 board.
“I love that this celebration is led by the Oak Brook residents,” Scarpiniti said. “Oak Brook residents from each culture have curated a unique experience by selecting entertainment and food vendors that showcase their culture. They have also designed their tents to educate visitors about their traditions and heritage.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.