Sample Ethnic Flavor from Nearly 20 Countries at ‘International Taste of Los Alamos’, Aug. 21

ummer travelers longing to see the world need only take a short drive to Los Alamos, New Mexico for the 2nd annual International Taste of Los Alamos on August 21 - an international sampling of authentic foods, art and music from at least 20 countries around the world. In its first year, there were more than 175 visitors who came to the International Taste of Los Alamos.

Cindy Eaton, who teaches English as a second language (ESL) at the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos, created the Taste of Los Alamos in 2009. Her goal was to celebrate the vast array of ethnic cultures in Los Alamos and to produce an event similar to the Taste of Chicago where food, music, dance, and art highlight those cultures.

“The Taste of Los Alamos capitalizes on the talents of the international community who are drawn to Los Alamos National Lab to conduct challenging research, but are trying to assimilate into a new country and culture,” said Eaton. “This is a wonderful event that not only benefits our local and regional communities, but the participants are better able to introduce themselves and their countries to us in a most appealing and personal way. Our event attracts visitors from all over the country because no other city, town, or village in New Mexico has the international make-up of Los Alamos County.”

A sampling of ethnic foods will be available at a number of stations as visitors get to experience world music, ethnic art and traditional dance during the Taste. A silent auction with a few international items will be available as well.

A number of countries will be represented including: Belgium, Czech Republic, China, Costa Rica, Russia, Poland, Slovakia, Mongolia, South Africa, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Portugal, and Sweden, among others.

The cost is $15 for adults (13 years and older); $5 for children ages 6 to 12; children under 5 years old are free. Tickets can be purchased at CB Fox Department Store at 1735 Central Ave in Los Alamos or by calling Cindy Eaton at (505) 662-7073 or cindy.eaton@att.net.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Taste, and the silent auction, go directly to benefit the UNM Los Alamos Bridge to Success Scholarship. The Bridge Scholarship provides funding for a student’s first semester only, and is a bridge to the Lottery Scholarship.

The Taste of Los Alamos will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Betty Ehart Senior Center located at 1101 Bathtub Row in Los Alamos. Sponsorship opportunities for the Taste of Los Alamos are still available.