It was a smorgasbord of cultural tasting, costumes and entertainment last night (2.25.20) at the third annual International Family Night (IFN) in the LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School) Cafetorium.
The multicultural fair was sponsored by the Lakeland School System (LSS), allowing teachers, parents and students to unite in building the Lakeland community.
Cars overflowed the parking lots as hundreds of parents, family and friends crowded into the LMPS hallway to reach the venue.
Among the food samples were corn pakoras and samosa from India; salad oliv’e from Russia; poppy seed cake from Poland; red beans with pork from Guatemala; pretzels from Germany; tamales and esquites from Mexico; fry bread from Turtle Island; and French bread and coffee punch from France.
A three-section screen displayed art work from Rachel Nanney’s first period art class. On stage, there were performances by the Lakeland Elementary School (LES) Glee Club and Guitar Club and LMPS Choir and Orchestra, along with cultural entertainment. There were games and face painting for children. Admission was free but attendees were asked to bring canned goods in support of the Memphis Food Bank.
Link to Google album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CE34VqDafJsVbZXE6
Hosting the evening were ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers Alison Garland and Stacy McGoldrick from LMPS; and Lee Ann Kelly and Diann Sorensen from LES. Mrs. Garland said, “The LMPS international Club with about 35 5th-8th graders helped with the event.”
Countries represented for this year’s event were Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Japan, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Scotland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Philippines, Austria, Poland, USA Turtle Island, Palestine, Norway, Russia, Uzbekistan and Ukraine.
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
