Diversity Celebrated at Norfeldt International Night

Hundreds turn out for Norfeldt Elementary School’s second annual International Night.

Performances at Norfeldt International Night included Irish Step Dancing. Submitted photo

By Ronni Newton

Representatives of 32 different countries that comprise the cultural fabric of West Hartford’s Norfeldt Elementary School came together for the 2nd Annual International Night on Jan. 29, 2015. Several hundred people attended what organizers say has become Norfeldt’s most eagerly-anticipated and widely-attended event of the year.

International Night was chaired by Deena Shefsky, Camille Ferreira, and Liz DaIsabel, was hosted by Norfeldt’s PTO.

Those who manned booths were decked out in culturally-appropriate attire, and provided authentic food tastings to visitors. Each booths included a display with interesting facts and traditions about the country. There were games, with an educational component that included a scavenger hunt where kids learned as they hunted down the answers to questions about each country.

Norfeldt’s new “green screen booth” allowed for virtual photo opps in recognizable scenes and landscapes from around the world.

Performances from around the world were another highlight of the evening, include Irish Step dancers, songs from India, and Portugese music on the accordian courtesy of Fred Ferreira.

“The evening ended with all learning the Polish polka,” said Camille Ferreira.