Different cultures celebrated in Downtown Moneta

Downtown Moneta on Saturday offered a taste of international cuisine, including Chilean empanadas, Philippine kabobs and Greek Kourambiethes, also known as “wedding cookies.”

The Celebration of Nations event sponsored by the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce gave lake residents a chance to experience food from different cultures. Moneta residents Amber Scott and friend Melanie Pride brought their children to the event, but Scott said she was unsuccessful in getting the children to try new foods.

Aside from tasty treats, there also were booths representing area churches and schools with an international tie, including nonprofit Serving His Children founded by Bedford native Renee Bach, who lives in Uganda with her 4-year-old adopted daughter. Her brother, Dennis Bach, said the organization operates out of Moneta and that its goal is raising awareness for malnutrition and other issues in East Africa.

Chamber President Susan Martin said it wasn’t hard finding vendors or people interested in setting up information booths.

She said the lake community is like a “melting pot” because of the different people who have moved to the area.

“It’s our first year of the event so we’re really pleased with it,” Martin said. “We hope to grow that.”

This event, along with July’s Kegs and Corks in Forest, replaced the chamber’s Beach Bash fundraiser.

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