Indoor move does little to dim the Keene International Festival

Even without the outdoor setting, the gathering drew steady crowds through the building.

The Keene International Festival brought music, food and crafts from around the world to the Keene Parks and Recreation Center on Saturday after forecasts of rain prompted organizers to shift the annual event out of Fuller Park.

Even without the outdoor setting, the gathering drew steady crowds through the building, where tables offered clothing, jewelry, candles and other goods, while food vendors served dishes ranging from Indian and Peruvian fare to Somali specialties. The air inside carried the smell of spices and fried foods as visitors sampled different cuisines and moved from booth to booth.

Performances remained a central draw. Musicians and dancers filled the stage with songs and routines representing places from Jamaica to Japan and other countries in between. Among the performers was Shrihan Budakoti, 14, who sang in Marathi and performed Abir Gulal and Hari Mhana.

Mayor Jay Kahn addressed the audience near the stage and said Keene has long been a city that welcomes people from many backgrounds. The crowd responded enthusiastically.

For many families, the festival also offered a chance to share traditions with children. Toshiko Ruffle said she and her 2-year-old son Wilbur are raising him in both Japanese and English. Crisanna Cabrera spent time braiding her 8-year-old daughter Ila’s hair and said she hopes the event helps children see the value of different cultures coming together. Esther Fleurant watched her 11-year-old daughter Rivkah take part in dances including the cumber and the merengue.

Other activities kept children busy throughout the day. Diana Santeros, 4, and Julie Santeros, 3, played with beads, while Samanvitha Vemula, 7, ran with a pinwheel. Yuko Mowatt showed Nasrat Baryal, 12, how to handle a yo-yo, describing the game as a nostalgic carnival pastime she enjoys sharing. Theo Wendling, 16, an exchange student from Düsseldorf, Germany, helped his host parent Hans Porschitz with a nail-hammering contest that Porschitz said reflects German fun culture and tests precision and skill.

Food remained a major attraction. Alysa, 10, said the perogies were her favorite item of the day, while other visitors stopped for chicken tikka masala from Royal Spice of Troy and rice noodles from Kogetsu of Peterborough at the Boiler House. Batulo’s Kitchen, run by Batulo Mahamed, served Somali food, with her daughter Yarey Shegow, 16, assisting customers. Sadia Ali sold clothing made by her sister-in-law in Pakistan.

The festival also included moments of music and family life at the edges of the crowd, including Jason Cunningham holding his 6-year-old daughter Gabriella while listening, Lucia Lach Martinez, 5, dancing, and Payton Baker, 10, carrying a container of rice noodles.