With a deep-rooted connection to the festival, Kyra is on a mission to breathe new life into Germantown's International Fair, infusing a modern twist that promises to captivate younger attendees.
Kyra Coletta's journey with the Germantown International Fair began at the age of four, when she watched her grandfather meticulously plan and coordinate the event. Drawing inspiration from those memories, Kyra has stepped into a larger role, determined to assist in reshaping the fair for a new era. She’s been guiding them on connecting with a wider audience on social media.
The festival previously had a Facebook page and a website, but Kyra was excited to dive in. “I started completely fresh with a new website and made it easier to navigate. “For Facebook, I have made the Germantown International Festival an event so that people can check in on the big day! I have also been interviewing the people running the booths and asking them questions about the festival to get people excited and give them sort of an inside scoop!” said Kyra. The festival did not have an Instagram account, so she also created one.
Traveling has always been a very big part of Kyra’s childhood and she is excited to share that with others. “One of the great things about the Germantown International Festival is the ability to feel as though you have traveled the world in just one day. We have such a diverse community right here in our backyard and the festival brings everyone together,” she said.
One exciting addition to this year's fair is the introduction of festival passports. Upon entry, visitors can pick up a passport that guides them through a journey of different cultures. By visiting various booths, trying different foods, and engaging in activities, attendees can earn stamps to make their experience official. It's a unique way to explore the world without leaving Memphis. “The goal is to try to visit at least 5 countries and write down different people you met, food you tried, or something you learned about the country,” added Kyra.
The Germantown International Fair, scheduled for August 19th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Agricenter International (7777 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38120), offers a range of activities and performances that the entire family can enjoy. From authentic cuisine to captivating cultural displays, attendees can immerse themselves in a vibrant and enriching atmosphere.
While the fair is admission-free, most booths will offer delectable food and unique merchandise for purchase, allowing attendees to indulge in global flavors and take home memorable souvenirs. According to Kyra, each booth sells multiple dishes, everything from sushi to samosas. The Parade of Nations, which launches the festivities at 11 a.m., promises a visually stunning showcase.
The Agricenter International provides free parking for attendees, making it convenient for visitors to join in the festivities. As a friendly reminder, pets are not allowed at the fairgrounds.
A multitude of countries will be represented at the festival, each with their own cultural booth. From Argentina to Venezuela, attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide array of traditions, customs, and flavors.
For a detailed schedule of the event's cultural programming, you can visit the official website at http://gfest.org/. Are you interested in working with a student to help promote your community event or non-profit organization? GMSD would love to connect you.