- [Announcer] The following program is a West Tennessee PBS special presentation made possible through the generous financial support of viewers like you.

Please visit westtnpbs.org and make a donation today so that we can continue to make local programs like this possible, thank you.

- [Narrator] For the first time ever, West Tennessee PBS is bringing our viewers all the sights, sounds, and festivities of one of Jackson's most popular events.

The Jackson International Food and Arts Festival's mission is to spread cultural awareness, promote cross culture engagement, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of residents throughout West Tennessee.

For the next hour, West Tennessee PBS will showcase this wonderful event for everyone to experience, the ninth Jackson International Food and Arts Festival.

The festival began so Jackson's foreign-born citizens could share their history, art, and culture with their fellow Jacksonians.

Festival organizers hope this event reminds us all despite our differences in appearance, how we worship, or where we come from there is far more that unites us than divides us.

West Tennessee's PBS is proud to present the 2023 Jackson International Food and Arts Festival.

(upbeat music) - Right now, we'd like to hear from our mayor, Scott Conger for the city of Jackson to welcome you to the festival.

- All right, good morning everybody.

Hope everyone's having a great day today.

How you like the new venue for the International Food and Art Festival?

(crowd cheers) We're so happy you're here with us.

I hope you're celebrating our international community, our diversity in our city and this is what Jackson is about.

Everyone has a home in Jackson.

Everyone has a place in Jackson and we wanna celebrate that today and we wanna celebrate it every day as well.

But today, especially, so it's a fantastic day.

The weather's great, a lot of food vendors here.

We have 50 more vendors than we ever had downtown so it's the biggest International Festival we've ever had.

(crowd cheers) So we want to thank you all for being here and thank you to our organizers and the board that work so hard year-round to make this happen.

And hope everyone enjoys themselves today.

- Madison County Mayor AJ Massey.

- Welcome, welcome, welcome.

So glad to be here this morning.

It is a beautiful weather and I will say this may be the best the fairgrounds has ever smelled.

Can I get an amen?

We are very proud to have this in Madison County and as Mayor Conger said, I'll reiterate, this is what makes Madison County unique.

We have so many differences, north to southeast, to west of our county.

And you know, we've been thinking about how do we make our mark and have a festival of our own?

Some communities have festivals, teapot festivals or a barbecue festival, I think this may be the Jackson Madison County festival.

This represents who we are and, once again, I will reiterate welcome, thank you to the volunteers and all the sponsors who made it possible.

And thank you everybody for coming out.

We're very excited about today and I hope this continues for many years to come.

(crowd mutters) All right, we have a proclamation that Mayor Conger and I are gonna present today.

And I'll read this to you, proclamation, whereas Jackson and Madison County has become home to many diverse cultures and ethnic groups; and whereas all cultures and groups provide an invaluable contribution to our community through their investments in local business, industries, the medical field, and education; and whereas nine years ago the Jackson International Food and Art Festival was instituted so Jackson's foreign-born citizens could showcase their history, art, and culture to their fellow Jacksonians; and whereas with the mission of celebrating cultural unity the Jackson International Food and Arts Festival's purpose is to spread cultural awareness, promote cross-cultural engagement, and celebrate diverse backgrounds of residents throughout West Tennessee, now therefore, we, Scott Conger, mayor of the city of Jackson, Tennessee, and AJ Massey, mayor of Madison County, Tennessee do hereby proclaim Saturday, September 23, 2023 as Jackson International Food and Arts Festival Day.

(crowd cheers) - Very good.

Now, co-chairs don't sit down because the Jackson International Food and Arts Festival chairpersons Dr. Sandra Dee and Eduardo Morales, we will hear from both of our co-chairs at this time.

(crowd mutters) - Hello everyone, hello.

(Sandra speaks in foreign language) That's good morning in Filipino as well as in Chinese.

(foreign term) and welcome Jackson.

Today is such a beautiful day.

I know it's quite hot but we are here to continue our tradition of bringing joy, happiness, and unity to our people in the community.

We may not be in our usual location in downtown Jackson but don't you think this is better?

This is bigger.

(crowd cheers) This is bigger.

You have a lot of parking space, you can walk around, you don't crowd each other.

There are a lot of restrooms here too.

So that is very good.

We have a lot of food in store for you, over 40 full booths and many more.

Make sure that you visit the outside as well as the inside of the main building because so many things are happening.

As I said, we may be in a different location but the mission stays the same.

This festival is very important because this gives us a chance to connect, interact, and learn from one another as we celebrate diversity in our city.

So I hope you will all enjoy the day.

Spend the day until four o'clock today to enjoy food, art, music, and performances.

Of course, I will be amiss if I don't recognize a lot of people here that made this festival possible.

We had to move to the fairgrounds, that was a herculean task for all of us, for the festival team, my executive team, the festival committee, as well as our city staff.

But we made it.

Can we give them all a round of applause, please?

(crowd cheers and applauds) In two months, we were able to move from downtown to the fairgrounds.

That is a big feat.

So thank you so much.

Thank you mayors, both mayors for believing in us, for believing in our dream, and for all our sponsors to the Tennessee Arts Commission, our lead sponsors Leaders Credit Union, Jackson State Community College, West Tennessee Healthcare, Delta Faucet, and to all our businesses and corporations that contribute in making this festival today a success.

This is our ninth year and I hope we will still be here for our 10th year.

(crowd cheers) So let me now introduce my co-chair Eduardo Morales.

(crowd cheers) - Thank you, thank you Sandra, gracias, gracias, Dr. Sandra Lee.

(Eduardo speaks in Spanish) (Eduardo speaks in Spanish) Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mayor Massey and Conger, to all the sponsors as Sandra just mentioned it.

We really appreciate all the people who come here.

And she already mentioned the mission.

The mission is to respect each other and raise each other, become friends, and have peace, have a beautiful city peacefully and respect each other.

So thank you so much.

(Eduardo speaks in Spanish) Have fun.

We have a bunch of different foods, ice creams, fresh waters, we have all kinds of drinks for you to enjoy it.

So thank you very much and have a beautiful day, gracias.

(crowd cheers) - [Steve] Ladies and gentlemen, our parade is underway.

(crowd cheers) We got the police patrol for the Jackson Police Department - [Julie] Also the South Side High School NJROTC color guard led by Chief Ivan Henderson and Commander Guy Della Huse, I hope I said that right.

- [Steve] And then Ronin Taiko and Joe Kett, the martial arts Japanese drum troop and the Chinese drum troop, as well, and they are out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

(drums beat) Let's welcome the parade.

(crowd cheers) - [Julie] Yes, cheer them on.

(drums beat) Next we have our festival chairs, Dr. Sandra Dee, Eduardo Morales, and Vinay Sood.

(drums beat) - Our official festival banner, Jimmy Crosneau and the representatives of Mexico.

(drums beat) Rotary International with the flags of the nations, Mr. Glen Vanderher and members of Rotary International, the Old Hickory Rotary Club, the Jackson Rotary Club presenting the international flags today.

- [Julie] Got Rotarians of all shapes and sizes today.

How cute is that?

(drums beat) - [Steve] And right there in the midst from PBS, Rocky.

(drums beat) (upbeat music) - [{Julie] Hey, thank you, fellas.

Next is the Mexican band Los Chicos.

(crowd cheers) (upbeat music) And first we have our grand parade of cultures, led by Australia, known for both the sixth largest country in the world and the world's smallest continent.

While being home to some of the world's most celebrated cosmopolitan cities, the island is made up of extremely diverse landscape, desert, rainforest, mountain ranges, and diverse wildlife.

Australia has no official language, but English remains the primary language paired with the distinct Australian dialect.

As we know from our friend Amber Stonehide and friends, the rich culture of the Australians has shaped the culture since its beginning.

Australians are known for their friendly, fun-loving nature and the love of barbecue, coffee, and surfing - [Steve] Welcome to Australia.

Next, the Celtic nations.

The 10 Celtic nations include Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Cornwall, and many others, Northern Portugal and all.

Tribes from these nations have been spoken of by many historians, philosophers, and leaders in ages past with reference to the Celtic way of life, the Celtic nations.

- [Julie] France is next.

With a population of approximately 68 million people, located in Western Europe, a metropolitan area extending to the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel.

Paris is the capital, as well as the cultural and economic center of France - [Steve] Receiving the flags Mayor Scott Conger of the city of Jackson and AJ Massey of Madison County.

Coming up next, Ghana.

The territory spans diverse ranges of coastal savannas to tropical rainforest.

Over 32 million people make Ghana the second-most populated country in West Africa, vast gold reserves, if you will, welcome the representatives from Ghana.

(crowd cheers) - [Julie] Next is Guatemala, (crowd cheers) a country of many customs and traditions located in central America.

It is renowned for numerous tourist attractions, the gigantic volcanoes, lakes, and mountains along with the traditional Guatemalan foods.

The culture is represented today in this magnificent event furthering the knowledge of different foods, cultures, and international traditions in order to be united as brothers and sisters under God.

(crowd cheers) - [Steve] Welcome next, Honduras.

(crowd cheers) Located along the Caribbean coast, Honduras, the second largest country in Central America.

Home to over 6,000 plant species and a range of natural wonders, demonstrating a largely mountainous landscape, reflected in their contributions to music, cuisine, and art.

Once again, welcome Honduras.

(crowd cheers) - [Julie] Next in our parade of cultures, India.

(crowd cheers) The world's seventh largest country by area and the world's biggest democracy.

It is one of the world's most ancient civilizations with documented history going back over 5,000 years India has never invaded another country.

India is a republic consisting of 29 states and seven union territories with 22 major languages and over 720 dialects.

India has the largest English-speaking population of any country in the world, and the world's third biggest pool of doctors, engineers, and scientists.

Four world regions and Islam have arrived in the first millennium and shape the region's diverse culture.

When Indians meet someone, they greet each other by folding their hands in humility.

Indians believe that God resides in the heart of every human and no one is above or beneath another.

Country of India.

(crowd cheers) - [Steve] Welcome, India.

Next in our parade today, Italy.

(crowd cheers) Welcome to this European country with a long coastline along the Mediterranean Sea.

Civilizations populated this region going back 850,000 years, they've left a powerful mark on Western culture.

The Roman Empire spread from the Italian peninsula.

The legacy of ancient Rome still felt in Western culture in our government, law, language, architecture, engineering, religion, and food.

Italy.

(crowd cheers) - Next, welcome, Japan.

(crowd cheers) Made up of several islands in the northwest Pacific Ocean, Japan is one of the most densely populated and urbanized countries in the world.

Known for its unique cuisine, architecture, fashion, and performing arts, Japan is also the source of many beloved art forms, including manga and geisha.

There are different aspects of Japanese culture that combine to form its uniquely modern and traditional nature.

Please welcome Japan, this may be our largest group today.

(crowd cheers) - [Steve] Once again, receiving the flags, Mayor AJ Massey of Madison County and Scott Conger, the mayor of the city of Jackson.

Welcome next, the representatives of Nigeria.

(crowd cheers) Officially known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, the world's sixth-most populous country with over 230 million inhabitants.

The official language is English, but there are over 525 indigenous languages spoken across this territory.

Known for its oil production and its unique cuisine, evidence of human habitation in the areas of Nigeria today back to 9,000 BCE, Nigeria.

(crowd cheers) - Our next country is the Philippines.

(crowd cheers) Named in honor of King Philip II of Spain in 1542, since the end of World War II the country has been called the Republic of the Philippines.

It is located in Southeast Asia and is so-called the Pearl of the Orient with 7,641 islands.

In the Philippine parade, you'll see members of the Filipino community wearing the national costume called the Filipiniana and the Mestiza dresses for women and the Barong Tagalog for men.

The West Tennessee Filipino American Association is an organization living in the West Tennessee area since 1999.

Our festival co-chair, Dr. Sandra Dee is from the Philippines and past president of the West Tenn Fil-Am Association.

- [Steve] We welcome the Philippines (crowd cheers) Coming up next in our international parade, South Korea (crowd cheers) Located in East Asia, South Korea is the home to more than 51 million people, the majority of whom live in the dazzling capital city of Seoul.

Home to two volcanic islands, its landscape demonstrates extensive biodiversity.

South Korean culture values harmony, respect, and tradition, a vibrant cultural legacy in art, cuisine, sport, and entertainment.

Worldwide influence over the last several decades, welcome South Korea.

(crowd cheers) - Please welcome Spain.

Officially known as the Kingdom of Spain, Spain is a country in southern Europe, along with Portugal makes up the Iberian Peninsula.

Although people tend to know Spain for flamenco music and bull fights, it is actually a nation of great geographic and cultural diversity and has three co-official languages besides Spanish, Basque, Catalan, and Galician.

Its population, customs, architecture, music, and cuisine are just a few examples that attest to Spain's rich and diverse history.

- [Steve] Welcome Spain, next, Trinidad and Tobago.

(crowd cheers) These republics in the southernmost island country of the Caribbean consists of the main islands there of Trinidad and Tobago and the numerous smaller islands.

They're well known for their both African and Indian cultures reflected in the large and famous Carnival and other special celebrations.

Also the birthplace of the limbo, how low can you go.

Musical styles such as calypso and others, the famous steel pan, the chromatically pitched percussion instrument made from the 55-gallon industrial drums, Trinidad and Tobago.

(crowd cheers) - [Julie] Our next country, Turkey, is a transcontinental country.

It's located at the intersection of southeastern Europe and western Asia, mainly on the Anatolia Peninsula.

bordering the Black Sea to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Indian Sea to the west.

Turkey was once the heart of the mighty Ottoman Empire.

So it is today still a melting pot of cultures and cuisine.

Welcome, Turkey.

(crowd cheers) - Coming next, Venezuela.

(crowd cheers) South American country, the longest coastline bordering the Caribbean sea, home to the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls, and the second longest river in South America.

Venezuela has the world's fifth largest oil supply and exporter, vast untapped reserves of natural gas, and that attributes to their exports.

Please, if you will, welcome Venezuela.

(crowd cheers) - [Julie] Our next country is Zimbabwe.

Archeological records date human settlement of present-day Zimbabwe to at least 500,000 years ago.

Today, Zimbabwe holds the world's largest platinum reserves.

Diamond fields discovered in 2006 are considered the largest world diamond ever found in a country in a century.

In recent years, Zimbabwe has made large investments in education, which has resulted in the highest adult literacy rate in Africa at 90.7%.

Zimbabwe (crowd cheers) - Welcome next, the Global Learning and International Education Program from Jackson State Community College.

Proud to present some of the International Ambassador Scholarship recipients, Cassie Comer, Haia Cruz, Elaine Mooney, three of the 11 students who have ambassadored and studied abroad with the West Tennessee Consortium of International Studies.

They're carrying the flag of some of the countries that they have visited.

The study abroad program gives students the opportunity to take classes in places such as Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, France, Spain, and more.

20 other countries, four continents, studying the history of the literature, art, and music of all of these cultures.

This special program, Global Learning and International Education at Jackson State Community College.

(crowd cheers) - Our next country, Mexico.

(crowd cheers) The third largest country in Latin America, Mexico is a diverse multicultural country in the southern region of North America.

Housing the most Spanish speakers of the world, Mexico is also home to one of the largest cities, the country's capital, Mexico City.

Mexican culture is known for its rich, colorful vibrance which is while it is unique Has seen music, architecture, sports, and arts celebrated across the world.

(crowd cheers) (upbeat music) Mexico is the final country in our parade of cultures.

Let's give a round of applause for all of our countries today (crowd cheers) and enjoy Mexican dance from Los Matachines.

(upbeat music continues) (upbeat music continues) (upbeat music continues) (upbeat music continues) (crowd cheers) - [Steve] There international parade and the Mexican dance.

(upbeat music continues) (upbeat music continues) (upbeat music continues) (crowd cheers) (upbeat music continues) (upbeat music continues) Once again, a round of applause for the Mexican dance and also for this entire parade.

Welcome to the ninth annual International Festival of Food and Arts, here in Jackson, Tennessee.

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Please visit westtnpbs.org and make a donation today so that we can continue to make local programs like this possible, thank you.

(peaceful music)