People Fest is a natural revival of the International Festival that was held for years in Manchester until it dissolved in 1990. The International Festival was organized by Manchester Consolidated Services, Inc. (MCSI) which also managed Info Bank and Volunteer Action Center (VAC).
In spring of 2007 a renewed interest in celebrating the city's international diversity brought together Terri DeLangis, Marie Metoyer, Nabil Migalli and Lillye Ramos-Spooner, who were determined to reinvent a citywide festival. Their efforts resulted in the first People Fest, held Oct. 14, 2007 on the grounds of Beech Street School.
Encouraged by the modest success of this inaugural event, which survived murky weather and at least two other major city gatherings planned on the same weekend, organizers ramped up their efforts for the second annual People Fest on Sept. 6, 2008 at Veterans Park, held in partnership with Art in the Park. In spite of weather challenges on that day, about 2,000 visitors toured educational exhibits and enjoyed music, dance and a variety of foods.
In 2010, the fourth annual People Fest was another great success. It drew more than sixty exhibits and eleven food establishments. In addition to educational exhibits and the World Stage, People Fest 2010 featured a Mini Zoo exhibit presented by Wild Life Encounters.
People Fest 2011 is scheduled for August 27 from 10 am to 6 pm at Veterans Park, and again will share the grounds with the Manchester Artists Association Art in the Park. (Rain date : August 28)
Thanks to the people of Manchester, our sponsors, exhibitors and supporters, People Fest continues to celebrate the heritage, culture and global diversity of Manchester. As we appreciate the rich traditions of early immigrant communities that shaped Manchester'shistory, we welcome contributions of newcomers to the Queen City!