At a Plano healthcare center, a placard lists all the languages the office can accommodate for patient forms. Over 20 languages are listed.
Plano ISD has documented over 94 languages spoken in homes of their students. Among the more common are Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Arabic, Urdu, Korean, Hindi, Cantonese, Kurdish, Farsi, Tamil, and Gujarati.
Clearly, Plano has become home to many international citizens. To recognize and celebrate such a rich cultural tapestry, the 11th Annual Plano International Festival will be held on Saturday, October 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Plano.
The festival will take place in historic downtown Plano’s Haggard Park. Enjoy art, dance and music from all parts of the world. Taste delicious ethnic food for sale in the food court and see beautiful traditional dress in the international fashion show.
There will be special activities for kids, and the Plano Public Library System will host Reading Around the World for everyone. Check out the Fitness and Wellness Fair. Held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Courtyard Theater, the fair will feature free health screenings and information plus fitness demonstrations.
See Ikebana demonstrations from the Sogetsu Ikebana Society. Don’t know what that is? Come to the festival and find out!
The emotional highlight of the festival is always the naturalization ceremony. Often with tears in their eyes, new citizens take the oath and become proud American citizens.
In a show of love for this city, organizers make it a priority to be thoughtful of the environment. The zero-waste event diverts about 82% of waste from the landfill, thanks to environmentally friendly practices.
Admission and parking is free. Food and other items may be purchased from vendors.
11th annual Plano International Festival
Date: Saturday, October 17
Time: 11 a.m – 5 p.m
Location: Haggard Park, Downtown Plano
Photography by Mike Newman.
