Culture, community mesh during International Fest at Mountain Top church

WRIGHT TWP. — The sixth annual International Fest at St. Jude Church brought area residents out this weekend to experience a little world culture by sampling foods from 11 different countries.

The Rev. Jeff Tudgay, assistant pastor, said much of the food is prepared by natives of the countries represented.

“This year, we have added food from Cuba and Argentina,” Tudgay said. “Its a celebration of both culture and community.”

Ruth Casey, owner of Just Plain Crazy Face Art, a vendor at the event, said she enjoyed not just face painting, but the atmosphere of the festival.

As Casey walked through the grounds, she took time to point out a variety of game booths for the younger set, ample room to sit and eat, and even an area to donate to local food banks.

“Every year they have a raffle to win a trip. This year, it’s to go to either Ireland, Italy or Cuba,” she said. “It’s a chance to win something really nice.”

Volunteer Ron Wimpfheimer, said he has volunteered through the event’s history, originally having been “volunteered” by his wife.

Wimpfheimer said the variety and quality of foods available at the festival makes the event a success.

“This year we have gyros from Greece that have been a favorite,” he said. “But, Shepherd’s pie from Ireland and a special sandwich from Cuba have also been really popular.”

Even a soaking rain on Sunday, didn’t keep people away.

“When people come out, even if they are getting wet,” said Wimpfheimer, “you know they are enjoying it.”

Nine-year-old R.J. Williams enjoyed both the empanadas and the tacos.

“And I also won at the instant Bingo game, too,” he said smiling.

The church is looking forward to the completion of its new building this fall.

Tudgay said the church presently holds about 450 people for church services, but will hold “significantly more” in its new building.

And although funds raised from the festival, future funds expected from the church bazaar this summer, as well as a successful capital campaign have made the new building possible, Tudgay said there was something even more important.

“The generosity of the people,” he said. “That is the most important thing.”

Sister Mary Therese, of St. Jude parish, talks with Alyson Ryman, of Mountain Top, while picking up her order of gyros.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_ttl060517internationalfest-2.jpg.optimal.jpgSister Mary Therese, of St. Jude parish, talks with Alyson Ryman, of Mountain Top, while picking up her order of gyros.

Barbra Bellas and husband John, of Mountain Top, share an order of fish and chips from the England food tent at the festival.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_ttl060517internationalfest-3.jpg.optimal.jpgBarbra Bellas and husband John, of Mountain Top, share an order of fish and chips from the England food tent at the festival.

David Sawicki looks over instant bingo tickets opened by Mariusz Bibla, 8, of Mountain Top, to see if he’s a winner.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_ttl060517internationalfest-4.jpg.optimal.jpgDavid Sawicki looks over instant bingo tickets opened by Mariusz Bibla, 8, of Mountain Top, to see if he’s a winner.

Volunteer Joe Dombroski, of Mountain Top, leans out of his booth window during a rainy portion of the festival on Sunday.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_ttl060517internationalfest-5.jpg.optimal.jpgVolunteer Joe Dombroski, of Mountain Top, leans out of his booth window during a rainy portion of the festival on Sunday.

Tom Harding, of Mountain Top, makes potato pancakes during the St. Jude Church sixth annual International Fest on the church grounds Sunday in Wright Township.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_ttl060517internationalfest-1.jpg.optimal.jpgTom Harding, of Mountain Top, makes potato pancakes during the St. Jude Church sixth annual International Fest on the church grounds Sunday in Wright Township.