Ormond's first International Day Festival highlights diverse cultures, family legacies and common bonds

Revelers enjoyed a day of international cuisines, music and dancing at Rockefeller Gardens on Saturday, June 14.

  • By Michele Meyers
  • | 1:00 p.m. June 17, 2025
  • Ormond Beach Observer
  • Neighbors
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Colorful flags rippled in the breeze as people gathered at Rockefeller Gardens to celebrate the cultures of countries from around the world at the first International Day Festival on Flag Day, Saturday, June 14.

People enjoyed a day of cuisine, music and dancing from countries like Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, France, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Slovakia, Vietnam and more. Kids got a chance to get their faces painted by Brittani Giles, owner of Florida Face Paining, ride a horse named Luna or a pony named Ruby, both from McCarthy Farms.

Florida Senator Tom Wright joined in the festivities with local dignitaries Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie, City Commissioner and Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland, City Commissioner Harold Briley, Ponce Inlet Mayor Lois Paritsky, Bunnell City Commissioner David Atkinson, Deltona City Commissioner Dori Howington and Laura Roth, Volusia County Clerk of Court.

Daytona Talk Radio morning host Frank Scott emceed the event and started the opening ceremony with an introduction of the Ormond Beach Civil Air Patrol color guard, who posted the colors. A parade of flags followed, led by Wright who carried the American flag along with 22 additional country flags and their bearers. Cub Scout Pack 436 led the Pledge of Allegiance and mezzo soprano Janet Rabe-Meyer sang the national anthem.

Leslie spoke to the crowd and gave a brief history of his family whose origins in the United States began with his great grandparents who immigrated from Greece. He said they were so thrilled to become Americans that they wanted an American sounding last name and chose Ford — a popular brand at the time. They opened a restaurant called The American Luncheonette where they served recipes brought from Athens, for over 30 years.

“Let's not just celebrate today but every day, recognizing the values we share, the cultures we bring to our communities, the family legacies and the common bonds we hold as Americans,” Leslie said.

Event organizer William Sanchez, of the Cultural Awareness Fund, co-chaired the celebration with his board members Barbara Bonarrigo and Maria Trent. Trent surprised Wright by honoring him with the Veteran Champion Award for his contributions to the veteran community. Army veteran Shaun Milicic, his wife Meghan and sons Blaine and Levi presented Wright with the award.

“I am passionate about our veterans,” Wright said. “This year we passed another five bills that support our veterans and their families ... Together we can make things better. Remember, we are all in this together. We need to get back to loving, appreciating and respecting each other regardless of race, creed or color."

Visit culturalawarenessfund.com.

 

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