Oxford Circle’s diversity was on full display Saturday during the World Food Fair and Community Fest.
Visitors had the opportunity to taste Ukrainian stuffed cabbage, Haitian-style fried plantains, Moroccan pastries and many, many other delicacies — served by the families who made them.
In all, at least 15 nationalities were represented in food form at the event, which also featured a morning 5K walk and run, a bouncy house, games for kids, a flea market and resource tables.
It was hosted by the Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association and Catholic Community Services on the front lawn of the Oxford Circle Mennonite Church at Howell and Langdon streets.
OCCCDA was formed as an outgrowth of the Mennonite Church.
“The idea is to celebrate the diversity in the neighborhood and to provide a venue for the neighborhood to come together,” said Lynn Parks, the church’s pastor.
This is the fifth time the festival has been held but the first time the association has partnered with CCS on it, OCCCDA Executive Director Pearl Wang-Herrera said. Organizers say the event has grown larger each year.
Much of the food was made by OCCCDA’s English Language Learning program students, Parks said. Church members and local restaurants also contributed. ••
