With a total of 21 food booths this year, Aragon hosted its 14th annual International Food Fair in the south gym on Thursday Oct. 18. Similar to previous years, the Parent-Teacher-Student Organization coordinated and set up the event.
During the event, junior Shayan Tabrizi played music and the Aragon jazz combo performed while people visited booths and ate food.
This year, the event fundraised over 5,000 dollars, exceeding the set goal of 4,000 dollars with the donation of sponsors. Some sponsors, such as Eggettes and Sajj, had their own booth, while others donated food.
“[All that] money that’s generated from the [event] is used for student scholarships,” said Principal Patricia Kurtz.
“The Latino Parents Group, the Asian Parents Group … the Polynesian Club, parents and student volunteers as well as community members all help [to] make the international food fair a successful event,” said International Food Fair Chair organizer Sabrina Ocampo.
The event brings different cultures from the community to represent diversity at Aragon.
“It’s nice to see the different cultures represented at Aragon and their food,” said Spanish teacher Alejandra Maria Cheever. “Reaching people through the stomach and through diverse culinary treats is great, so I think that makes the event special … I like that I can sample a lot of different [foods] and ask questions.”
The International Food Fair also serves as an educational experience.
“When [people] hear Filipino, they associate the food with just lumpia. There is a lot more at the booth, so people are a lot more educated on what our culture really is,” said junior Vanessa Bernabe. “Not only do we just have food, but we also have interesting [items that represent our culture]. It’s exciting to see people educated on my culture and how they are more informed.”
Aragon’s Latino club, La Raza Unida, decided to participate in the food fair to express their roots.
“We decided to participate because we would help out and be part of this festival and more importantly, we want people to try something new,” said Gisselle Bucio, president of La Raza Unida. “I felt [that] we must join to give our full support of the festival and more importantly help out our Latino community.”
The International Food Fair provides a platform for different heritages to display their backgrounds.
“Even if you are a small country and there’s only one family or two families at Aragon who are from a heritage … that does not mean that you cannot set up a booth,” said Co-President of student events from PTSO Anise Graham. “It’s a great way to display and share your background.”
