If traveling around the world appeals to you, there's a way to do it with your tastebuds while staying right here in Cleveland County. St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Shelby is sponsoring the church's third annual International Festival on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The festival features homemade food prepared by parishioners. Polish, Mexican, Cuban, Filipino, Salvadorean, Haitian and Greek are among the cuisines represented.
"We were looking for a way to bring our diverse congregation together, and this seemed like a great way to do it," says Sharon Burkhardt, festival coordinator. "Everything is just delicious, from the Polish food to the spicy Haitian wings."
Prices for plates range from $1 -$5, with all proceeds going to help special church projects.
"We decorate the church's social hall with balloons and flags from around the world," says Burkhardt.
Kids' games, a cakewalk, bingo with prizes, a silent auction and the coronation of a festival queen and princess will also be part of the festivities. Items available for bidding at the silent auction will include a weekend at a mountain resort, local restaurant gift certificates, Lenox dishware and local handmade pottery. There will also be a raffle with a variety of prizes.
"We hope everyone in the community will come share in the fun and help us celebrate," says Burkhardt.
St. Mary Help of Christians is a congregation of about 300 families, located at 818 McGowan Street in Shelby. The church will celebrate its 80th anniversary next year. For more information about the festival, call Burkhardt at 704-473-9975.

By April Hoyle Shauf, Special to Community First Media