For several years, the New Holland Early Learning Center (NHELC) held an International Meal, but for 2023, NHELC development director Raquel Vera is planning a feast for visitors' eyes, ears, and noses, with a side of cultural immersion. This year, NHELC will hold its first International Celebration, and the event will include a variety of food items, dance, traditional garb, crafts, and more from a number of other countries.

The celebration, which Vera has called a "cultural explosion," will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9, at the New Holland Mennonite Church, 18 Western Ave., New Holland, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vera is working with El Condado, which is providing a variety of appetizers. Food that Vera has lined up for the event includes tacos al pastor; chicharrones, which are sausages; chicken kabobs; chicken satay; tandoori wing; street corn; spanokopita; loukomades; smoked hummus; and falafel.

"We will have dances," said Vera, who noted that dances representing India and Mexico will be performed, as will the lion-dragon dance representing Vietnamese culture.

NHELC teachers will decorate individual classrooms to represent specific countries, and children will have the opportunity to make a craft representing that country. "We will have four countries represented," said Vera, who listed Japan, Germany, Guatemala, and the United States - specifically Hawaii. There will also be cultural displays for Kenya and Colombia.

In addition, a fashion show will be held to display the traditional garb from many countries, including Colombia, El Salvador, Bolivia, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Vietnam.

The event is a fundraiser for NHELC, which currently serves more than 100 children with the mission of supporting the needs of every child and providing quality care and education. Spanish language skills are taught in each classroom. NHELC does not cap the number of students it enrolls who receive government aid. Tuition from students covers about 85% of costs for the nonprofit center. NHELC has been caring for New Holland-area children for more than 40 years.

There is a cost to attend the event, and attendees will receive a bracelet upon entry. Tickets may be purchased at https://bit.ly/NHELCInternationalCelebration. Readers who would like more information may visit http://www.creatingcommunityforkids.com or call 717-354-4440.