Explore the world at Eastern
Exploring cultures from all over the world, International Day is slated for Saturday, Oct. 12 and will be held at Eastern Regional High School from noon to 5 p.m. The event is open to the public, and admission and food are free.
Gwen DeVera, vice chair of the Camden County Human Relations Commission and member of the Voorhees Township Cultural and Diversity Committee, explained that the event has been an annual tradition in Voorhees after moving from Blackwood more than seven years ago. Since then, she said it has grown exponentially from year to year.
“It’s a very nice event, and it only gets bigger and bigger,”DeVera said.
She said that last year’s International Day was held at St. Andrews, but with a turnout of more than 800 people, DeVera said the event was moved to Eastern this year in anticipation of an even larger crowd.
With about two months of preparation time invested into the event, DeVera said her goal is to make the day as diverse as possible with representation from Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Pakistani, Indian and Filipino cultures.
During the day, exhibits will be on display from cultures all around the world courtesy of organizations such as the Voorhees-based Pakistan-American Society of South Jersey, Indian Temple Association of Berlin, the Camden County cultural club and the Eastern Regional High School cultural club.
DeVera added that representatives from local church ministries and elementary schools would also be helping with the festivities.
“I got everybody involved,” DeVera said. “From little kids to senior citizens.”
Those attending the event can expect a variety of cultural dance demonstrations, including Russian ballroom dancing. The day will also feature a parade of flags from the countries represented and a live exhibit of Pakistani wedding dresses.
All events during International Day are scheduled to take place in the Eastern Regional High School gymnasium.
In the high school’s cafeteria, however, individuals can enjoy cultural foods from neighboring restaurants, free of charge.
“It’s all donations,” DeVera said.
Restaurants sampling fare will include Bagel Bin in Voorhees, Classic Cake in Cherry Hill, Coconut Bay Fusion Cuisine in Voorhees, and Teppanyaki Grill and Supreme Buffet in Clementon.
The Camden County Board of Freeholders, Voorhees Township Cultural and Diversity Committee and Camden County Human Relations Commission are all sponsors of International Day.
For more information, contact DeVera at 751–1364 or via email at devera6@verizon.net.
