NCNWs’ Taste of the World Food Festival 2018

BY CYNTHIA JENKINS, Contributor

ST PETERSBURG — The St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) held their Taste of the World Food Festival at the Vista Recreation Center last month to overwhelming success.

The recreation center was transformed to an international culinary delight, filled with more than 50 succulent and savory foods and desserts that represented six countries including the United States, China, Jamaica, Spain, Italy and Cuba.

The Taste of the World Food Festival drew a capacity crowd, packing the house with hundreds of youth and families from around the Greater Tampa Bay area. Eventgoers appreciated the cultural diversity, brightly colored and printed fabrics and flags. Friendly salutations and the aroma of scrumptious foods filled the room.

More than the delicious food, the event provided a perfect climate for peace, happiness and laughter, great conversations and high spirited fellowship. But let’s not forget about the real reason is it was so special — the partaking of specialty dishes that everyone said was “finger-licking good.”

With a nod to the NCNW’s founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, sweet potato pie was on the menu, which was said to be her favorite.

Entertainment for the afternoon included soothing music with island soul sweet steel drums by Chris Garner, while Terrell “DJ Tamik” Riley kept the good times going with the latest and greatest sounds.

The Black Pearls, NCNW’s youth group, presented a synopsis of all countries represented and harmonious sounds, and songs of praise rendered by Voices With Visions singers captivated and engaged audience participation.

The food festival is one of many ways the St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section brings communities of all cultures together.  They underscore the wealth of resources, diverse families, as well as preserving the traditional values and strengths that they all have in common.

For every mountain, you’ve brought us over! For every trial, you’ve seen us through! Once again God showed up and showed out!

Many thanks to the phenomenal 2018 Food Festival committee under the leadership of  Chairperson Mae Welch, Co-chair Cynthia Jenkins and the Food Festival Committee members: Gwendolyn Anderson, Allene Gammage-Ahmed, Sandra Law, Dorothy Milton, Joanne Rainey and Valerie Williams. Also, thanks to the chairs and their team of each country.