Saturday Parade of Nations
to local groups with international ties. She also dances with the Philippine- American Club of Fayetteville, which is sure to be out in full force for the Parade of Nations. The parade dates back to the very first festival in 1978 when two Fayetteville friends, one a Frenchwoman, the other British, had the idea to celebrate Fayetteville’s diverse culture. Now, more than 30 years later, dozens of countries participate in a festival that has expanded to a three-day celebration. But the parade is still a festival favorite. “The parade is my favorite part of the weekend,” says David Wattley
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who will represent his native Trinidad and Tobago. “I like to see the other countries, cultures and costumes.” Mary and Roger Govan represent southern India. “It’s fun seeing a lot
of people at the Folk Festival,” Mary says, “and how they are interested in learning about other cultures.”
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loria Canonizado (left) grew up in the Philippines and has been a part of every International Folk Festival, all 32 of them. She jokes that she danced on Hay Street in the days
when that had an entirely different meaning. This year, she organizes the International Stage, dedicated
