On Saturday, crowds filled a closed-off South Barstow Street to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Eau Claire’s International Fall Festival.
The various vendors and attractions stretched from Lake Street to the Chippewa River. The event is put on every year to let community members experience the cultural diversity of the Eau Claire area.
The main event of the day, the Parade of Nations, showcased floats from the different exhibits and vendors that attended the festival, along with dancers and bands.
Much of the day’s festivities revolved around the international bazaar, containing goods from many local
businesses along with food such as Greek gyros, fry bread and fried pickles.
The entertainment on Saturday included belly dancers and bands. The World Stage was set up to showcase various local talents, such as the UW-Eau Claire Irish Dance group, who also gave lessons. Hidden among the crowd as living statues were the UW-Eau Claire Players.
Inflatable carnival rides were set up for children to enjoy along with a pony ride. Also in the children’s area was a petting zoo that included endangered animals, like an Eland, and some not-so endangered animals, like Shetland Sheep.
The International Fall Festival has been held every year since 1985.

– The Spectator Staff