PEABODY — Former Mayor Peter Torigian was known for his love of the city’s rich ethnic diversity.
One of the most visible displays of that love was the annual International Festival he helped found in the 1980s.
This year’s festival, the 34th annual, is on Sunday, Sept. 10. Thousands of visitors are expected to stream into Peabody Square to sample cuisine from around the world while visiting 65 booths hosted by local restaurants, churches, and other community organizations.
“The International Festival is the largest celebration of its kind on the North Shore,” said Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr., who has often spoken about keeping alive Torigian’s commitment to community spirit. “Each year, tens of thousands of people flock to Peabody Square to sample an array of ethnic food and enjoy art, music, dance and culture from around the world.”
In addition to music and dance filling two stages, artwork from North Shore artists will be on display at the International Festival Galleria on Foster Street.
“This year, there will be 57 artists showing their work, and each is allowed to bring four paintings,” said Ruth Mowder of the Peabody Art Association. The artists will compete for ribbons in five categories in professional and amateur divisions.
For the kids, there will be special music and dance performances, a magic act, arts and crafts, and a bounce house at the Leather City Common on Lowell Street.
While much of the focus of the International Festival is on the arts community, the day is also a boon for local businesses, according to Deanne Healey, executive director of the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce.
“It gives some great exposure to local businesses and organizations,” said Healey. “It shows the people coming downtown can be a vibrant destination.”
This year, the International Festival activities extend beyond the main event on Sept. 10 from noon to 6 p.m.
On Friday, Sept. 8, the weekend kicks off with a pop-up pub block party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. next to City Hall on Chestnut Street. There’s a $5 cover charge for the party, which will include music from rock and dance cover band Red Square, a cash bar featuring Ipswich Ale, and food for sale from Bella & Harvey and the NexMex Thing restaurant.
The 16th Annual Progeria Race for Research is the following morning, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Leather City Common.
Finally, the International Festival acts as a lead in for Peabody Restaurant Week from Sunday, Sept. 10 through Thursday, Sept. 23. Restaurants and menu selections for 20 local restaurants offering an appetizer, entree, and dessert for $20.17 are available online.
