The second annual Renton International Festival and Night Market kicked-off in the Renton Highlands Friday afternoon.
Brittney Henry, Miss Washington 2011, welcomed a full stage of event organizers, sponsors and city officials at the Viet-Wah Plaza behind the Greater Hilands Shopping Center.
A crowd turned out for the opening that included a ribbon-cutting. While a mix of ethnic music played on the sound system, vendors set up shop. There was Vietnamese food, shaved ice, kettle corn, blended drinks, tacos and huaraches, which is a Mexican dish. Even more vendors are expected throughout the weekend. Event organizers advertised that more than 30 vendors would participate in the festival.
There were community booths such as the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, the Junior Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce and Valley Medical Center.
Vendors at the booth Maison Chance were selling paintings and hand-crafted gifts, such as colorful stuffed animals and ornaments.
All the proceeds at this particular booth go to the disadvantaged and handicapped living in Vietnam, which is the organization’s mission, said Jeanine Nguyen, booth volunteer.
This was the group’s first time at the festival and Nguyen said the festival is a great idea.
Shirley Jenkins was born in Renton and raised in the Highlands and decided to bring her children and mother to the festival because it’s close to home and she enjoys learning about the other cultures in the neighborhood.
She thinks it’s definitely time Renton had an international festival.
“I was really surprised that it was up in the Highlands area also, instead of like downtown Renton,” Jenkins said. “Because there’s nothing up here. Everything’s usually downtown Renton, there’s nothing up in the Highlands, so it’s good.”
Suzanne Dale Estey, City of Renton economic development director, called the festival an event still in development, speaking to the slow, but steady turnout.
She stressed the importance of having an event in the community that celebrates its diversity.
Mayor Denis Law remarked how Renton’s population is 51 percent people of color in his welcome address to the crowd that had assembled for the opening ceremony.
Larger crowds were expected on Saturday and Sunday as the weather was predicted to be great for outdoor activities.
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL & NIGHT MARKET
WHEN: 3 p.m.- 9 p.m., Friday
11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday
11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sunday
WHERE: The Greater Highlands Center, Viet-Wah Plaza, 2820 Sunset Blvd. N.E. in Renton
COST: Free
INFO.: www.rentonifest.org
PROGRAMS: Cultural performances, car show, children performances, arts and crafts booths, food booths, merchandise, games, kids fun center, live bands, modern to traditional multi-cultural entertainment, beer garden, etc.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Kaze Daiko (Japanese Taiko Drumming), PAYO (Philippines), Huayin Performing Arts Group (Chinese), Thailand Cultural Performance, Rhythm of India (India/South Asia), Heart in Motion (American Pop Rock) Vietnamese Pop, Latin music performance (Mexican, Salsa and South American music), Joel & Allen (jazz, R&B), Tony Au Martial Art (Lion Dance & Chinese Martial Arts) and Vovinam (Vietnamese Martial Arts).
BOOTHS: Food vendors with Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Philippine and Thai cuisine as well as sausages, hot dogs, shaved ice, lemonade and other beverages. Merchandise vendors include gemstones, flowers, gift and accessories, lucky-bamboo, financial services, jade accessories and cosmetics.
