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TapestryFest weaves community through culture, music, and food
Colorful traditions, global flavors, and joyful performances filled Central Park on July 12 as the community came together for the third annual TapestryFest in Mt. Pleasant
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MT. PLEASANT — The shaded paths of Central Park in Mt. Pleasant overflowed with music, conversation, and the rich aroma of global cuisine on Saturday, July 12, as hundreds gathered for the third annual TapestryFest — a celebration of culture, connection, and community spirit.
Organized by PFLAG Mt. Pleasant, the event brought together an estimated 200 to 300 attendees from across southeast Iowa to share in the region’s cultural diversity. At its heart, TapestryFest aims to do more than entertain.
“It’s a fun way to learn from different cultures and sort of get people together and just have fun … and build comfort,” said Paul Winer, a TapestryFest leadership team member. “When you don’t know about types of people, it’s easier to be afraid of them — or at the very least, assume they don’t exist.”
That philosophy played out in every corner of the park. Cultural tables lined the square, offering food samples and stories from Venezuela, Brazil, Laos, the Philippines, Sweden, China, Haiti, and more.
According to Winer, a couple of cultural groups invited to the event worried about attending out of fear immigration enforcement would show up. Noting their absence, Winer asked a representative to share a little about these cultures and some kind words. Shortly after that, one of the missing groups arrived late and those kind words overflowed to action.
“Everybody had already tried everybody else’s food,” Winer said, “So, everyone was gathering around them. It was sweet to see.”
Headlining performers Calle Sur, a duo specializing in joyful acoustic Latin music, captured hearts with a bilingual set.
“They were talented, but she was also really sweet and compassionate,” said Winer of the lead vocalist. “She talked to the audience a lot, both in English and in Spanish.”
Other local performers included Hong Kong opera singer Ming Vierra, Filipino vocalist Ashley Whiting, Latin singer Leo Leunis, and poet Nefi Sanchez.
For many attendees, the cultural exchange began with food. Whether it was lingonberry jam from Sweden, spring rolls from Laos, or cabbage stew from Mt. Pleasant’s African American community, each dish served as an edible introduction to someone’s heritage.
“Who doesn’t understand food?” Winer asked with a laugh.
New to this year’s festival were organizational booths from groups like Veterans for Peace and the Henry County Democrats.
“If you’re not a cultural table, you’re welcome to pay us to have a table,” Winer said. “But for cultural groups, we help fund the food samples they give out. That’s what it’s all about — building bridges.”
Even with minimal advertising TapestryFest leadership were more than pleased with this year’s event.
“It’s always fun to meet lots of people there,” Winer said. “More and more people want to take part.”
For those wanting more than just one day of celebration, smaller TapestryFest events are now hosted every few months at the Belle Center in Mt. Pleasant. In May, the Haitian community took center stage with music and snacks. Organizers hope to continue these monthly showcases, offering space for individual cultures to be celebrated in depth.
Looking ahead, the team hopes next year’s TapestryFest will be even bigger, with more marketing and cultural participation. But the mission remains the same.
“We’re just trying to break the ice,” Winer said. “We want to make sure everybody knows they belong here.”
For upcoming events or to get involved, contact PFLAG Mt. Pleasant.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
