The first International Night, featuring entertainment, food and
attire from across the globe, was hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council No.
8600 Aug. 26 at St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax.
More than 200 attendees purchased “passports” and then traveled
from table to table getting their passports stamped and tasting food that their
fellow parishioners cooked, donated and served.
Organized by parishioners Charlie and Cathy Gulac, the goal was
to bring everyone together to experience and celebrate the different cultures
of fellow parishioners, as well as welcome and engage people who might not get
involved in church activities.
Parishioners represented 18 different countries, including Egypt,
England, Guam, Hawaii, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mauritius,
Mexico, Panama, the Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia and Vietnam.
“I knew our parish was diverse, but I didn’t know how diverse it
was until tonight,” Tung Tran said while working the Vietnam table with his
wife, Lam, who handmade 240 egg rolls for the event. “It’s been eye-opening.”
Even Father James S. Barkett, pastor, was in awe seeing the diversity
within the parish. “It’s a beautiful thing,” he said. “Every table has been
unique. I’m only halfway through and I’m already full.”
Martha Mellor spent the day cooking to ensure everything looked
and tasted delicious at her Panama table. “I am very happy to see everyone have
fun and taste all the good food,” she said.
In addition to tasting ethnic food, learning about the flags, mingling
with fellow parishioners and winning raffle prizes, the evening featured
parishioners participating in Taekwondo demonstrations from Mt. Kim Martial
Arts, as well as Hawaiian hula dancing and Spanish flamenco dancing.
Proceeds from International Night will benefit the parish capital
fund.
With the inaugural event a success, plans are already underway to
expand next year’s International Night to feature more than 30 countries, as
multiple parishioners talked to organizers about ensuring their home country
was represented in 2018.
Riemann is a freelance writer from Arlington.
