Behind the Scenes 2018

Whether cheering for Notre Dame or partying on St. Patrick’s Day, Dan Smith enjoys celebrating his Irish heritage! He has passed that enthusiasm on to his 4 boys, ages 14, 11, 9 and 5—one son even plays the bagpipes! (Check out the beginning act on the festival stage!) Dan has done some research and knows … Read more

WE WELCOME INDIA TO OUR FESTIVAL, LED BY NIRMAALA FRANCIS …read about our new food team and their delicious menu! I am Nirmaala Francis, married to Francis Albert, for 28 years. We have two sons Aasheesh and Ady -both graduated from NC State and now working as Software Engineers. I will be the head chef… … Read more

SLOVAKIA will be a new booth at the International Food Festival this year! Talk to Mary Jo Buzard and she’ll rattle off all the names of Slovakian foods she grew up with! When her parents and all 7 children relocated from Illinois to the Scranton area of Pennsylvania, they settled in the home her mom … Read more

Each year we look forward to adding new countries to our festival, and this year we’re happy to have the Dramou family representing Guinea! Martin Dramou arrived in the US in 2004 and studied at the University of Phoenix, where he received his Master’s Degree in Human Resources and Math. He is currently finishing his … Read more