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FAIRFIELD – The MIU Fieldhouse was bustling with activity Sunday thanks to the thumping beats and sizzling treats at the World Fairfield International Festival.

The event was in its third year after having taken a long hiatus after COVID, since its initial run from 2018-2019. During those first two years, the event was held earlier in the fall and held outside in Central Park, but this time it was moved into the fieldhouse. Organizer Richard Beall said he was pleased to see so many people show up for the live performances including dancing, drumming, songs by the Maharishi Lower School choir, bagpipes courtesy of Tim Britton, and the event’s featured musical act, the Baraka Band with Amine Kouider, Karen Aoki, Jimmy Moore, and Eric Hurlin.

On top of that live entertainment, guests perused booths representing more than 30 countries. Children were given passports that could be “stamped” with flag stickers from each country, and then turned in for prizes. Several booths offered free samples of food from their country, and included colorful displays of photos and facts.

The competition for best exhibit was won by India, which captured the grand cash prize of $100. Other booths that won cash prizes were those from China, Ghana, the Netherlands, Mexico and Guatemala.

Beall said he was gratified both by the response from the community and by all those who shared the culture of their home countries.

“It brought so much joy to the guests to circulate around and sample a lot of the really delicious cuisine,” he said. “The event showed how distinct each culture is, and it showcased the diversity we’re blessed with in Fairfield.”

Beall said he has every intention of putting on another World Fairfield International Festival in 2026, though the venue is up in the air. He said the fieldhouse is not a great place for concerts because of its acoustics, so the event could be moved to either the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center or held outside like it was the first two years.

“We really welcome people to be a part of this if they didn’t get the chance to do it,” Beall said. “I really feel that we can have as many as 50 countries if we get started early next year.”