Downtown Birmingham hosts International Street Fair

The heart of downtown Birmingham was transformed into a colorful, swirling melange of exotic sights, sounds, colors and aromas when the fifth annual Birmingham International Street Fair -- sponsored by the Birmingham Multicultural Association and others -- was held there on Saturday afternoon, May 13.

More than 25 cultures were represented through a variety of music, dance, cultural demonstrations and educational programs.

There were also about 40 vendors offering food, crafts and other items.

The event began at 12:30 p.m. and was favored with mostly sunny weather after a morning marked by intermittent rain showers.

Third Avenue North and 20th Street North were closed to vehicular traffic to accommodate the fair, which -- at any given time -- seemed to have at least 200 to 250 attendees.

The many types of food being sold included egg rolls, fish cakes, fried dumplings, jerk chicken, red beans and rice, Filipino barbecue, and Indian and Honduran food, as well as such sweet treats as baklava, Italian ices and gourmet cheesecake.

Performances were held every 30 minutes on or near a large stage set up in the intersection of Third Avenue and 20th Street North.

The line-up included a didgeridoo demonstration, traditional Chinese dance, German folk music, Filipino folk dance and several other offerings.

Local musician John Scalici led a popular drum circle on Third Avenue North near Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd.

For more information about the go to birminghammulticultural.org