Cobb International Festival comes back after the two-year break because of COVID-19

The Cobb International Festival returned this weekend for the first time following a two-year break because of COVID-19.

The event center of Jim R. Mill operator Park saw heavy foot traffic for the whole of the six-hour event. Individuals were anxious to absorb the local and international music, shows and a wide variety of international cuisine presented by the numerous sellers surrounding the pathways.

“Any time we get an opportunity to experience another culture, we jump on it,” said Terry A., a visitor from McDonough.

Terry went to the event with his wife, Arlene, who is from the Philippines. The two appreciated mingling with the group, with Terry saying they met one more couple from the Philippines while waiting in line for food.

Returning for the first time since its debut in 2019, the festival shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic, as per Michael Brantley, director of Cobb County Parks and Recreation. Brantley said he and his team recently seen more individuals wanting to escape the house and do things, and they realized the time had come to restart the festival.

“We realized we had something positive with the event after the success of the first year,” Brantley said. “We noticed more people getting out recently and noticed multiple festivals popping up, so we decided to bring it back.”

Parks and Recreation facilitated the festival, as indicated by Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, and pulled staff from across various Cobb County agencies to assist with plan the event. Sellers paid a fee for each table set up, as indicated by Brantley.

Cupid spoke to the crowd early Saturday afternoon, officially starting off the event. She invited different consulate delegates in front of an audience to share greetings in their native languages, including individuals from South Korea, Ghana, Nigeria and Canada, to name a few.

“I’m so excited we get to showcase Cobb County’s diversity,” Cupid said during her speech.

Cupid shared her happiness about the return of the event, saying the festival of such countless various cultures assists cause with peopling to feel like they belong.

“I think it helps to let people know that everyone here is welcome,” Cupid said. “If you’re here in Cobb, then you’re part of our Cobb community.”