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The weather had been strange of late with sudden thunderstorms, deluge rains, and winds that reached nearly 60miles per hour according to the local weather reports. Many residents had doubts that maybe the festivities would be canceled or at least ruined but thanks to the love of this traditional and identifying event the clouds broke long enough for the resident to visit all weekend long and enjoy the festival.
Speaking with current president Don Nickerson of the Lorain International Committee, he stated that the numbers were not as large as in the past due to the weather conditions but on a quick estimate they figured about 14,000 visitors came to the Black River Landing to enjoy the entertainment and food. A part of the identity of this standing festival is the cultural food vendors that represent the many ethnicities. Lorain, known as the International City, can boast of a very diverse population with a variety of food—a culinary delight.
Also present and to close the festivities were the new 2013 Queen and her court. The new Queen representing the French nationality is Lexi Zvosecz with 1st runner up presenting the Puerto Rican nationality Taylor Soto, 2nd runner up representing the Italian nationality Veronica Jachym, and 3rd runner up Megan Beal representing the Croatian nationality. The Queen and court will sojourn to the different events and festivities in Northeast Ohio, representing the International City of Lorain. They are the good-will ambassadors.
This year the spotlight was on the Macedonian community and the spotlight industry/group was the Lorain Rotary. Speaking with Officer Rick Soto, who is a Director on the Board of Directors of the Lorain International Committee and also Chair of the Security for the whole event, he stated that this year everything went well along the same lines as last year.
Next year the spotlight community is the Polish Community with the spotlight industry: El Centro of South Lorain.
The newest area that is in continual growth is the Kid’s area with many Bounce structures and fun activities. The Lorain Harbor Lions were doing face painting and Eguardo Ayala, manager of the Lorain Home Depot, brought materials and volunteers from the Home Depot to engage the children in the construction of small wooden toys. The children had fun as they dragged their weary parents to all of the games.
So, Mother Nature had her say but the 47th Annual International Festival & Bazaar came off in spite of the rain thanks to the local volunteers who make this event happen.
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