NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Benjamin Franklin High School is excited to open its doors on Saturday, March 30, for the International Festival, which will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
International Fest is the biggest single-day fundraiser for Franklin’s clubs, says John Parauka, the student activities coordinator. Admission is free, but food, drinks, and crafts, all with an authentic international flair, are available for purchase.
All clubs at Franklin are encouraged to represent a country and serve a corresponding dish. Some of them are obvious – German Club representing Germany and serving bratwurst; French Club representing France and serving crepes – while others are more playful, such as the Society for Women Engineers, or SWE, representing SWEden and serving cinnamon roll waffles. Other cuisine on offer will be lo mein and dumplings, Jewish desserts, gyros and spinach dip, fresh mango with chili powder, Thai tea, and Italian ice. In addition, there will be live music; student performances; and booths offering palm and tarot card readings, karaoke, African tattoos, and decorate-your-own kites. New this year are an “Instagram playground” and an electronic photo mosaic that will be generated in real time.
“The International Festival embodies everything great about Franklin: its diversity, DIY spirit and inclusive nature,” says Franklin parent Charmaine Cooper Hussain, who is the president of the Parents’ Association and coordinates the event. “Even clubs whose missions aren’t inherently cultural can adopt a country and embrace its charm – and that’s how you get K-Pop Club representing Jamaica.”
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Eve Peyton at (504) 503-0062 or epeyton@bfhsla.org.
