Pacifica Institute-Silicon Valley and Bay Area Cultural Connections organized the 4th Annual International Children’s Festival on May 9th at the Music Concourse Bandshell Area in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. The venue was excellent for the festival, at the world-renown beautiful Golden Gate Park, right between the California Academy of Sciences and De Young Museum, frequented by masses during the weekends.
An estimated 1500 people visited the festival. The organizing committee really moved it up a notch at the 4th festival of its kind, with fourteen groups taking the stage with their colorful dresses, lively songs and authentic folk dances. This year, Turkish food was on the menu too, nothing less than the authentic home-made Turkish delicacies, served at nearby booths at the convenience of the visitors. Among others, baklava, stuffed grape leaves, traditional manti (Turkish ravioli), kabobs and Turkish coffee was popular in the festival.
The festival turned out to be such a big hit that the organizing committee and all the volunteers were pleased to contribute in the goal of the festival that was to strengthen ties between community members and to raise cross-cultural awareness among children. Dedicated to up the bar, the committee already has plans to expand performances, attractions and food booths, so there is much to look forward to, for the next year’s festival.