After a two year hiatus, we are excited to have Peabody’s International Festival back. So, let’s take a trip back to 1984 and 1985 and re-live the beginning of the International Festival.
Unless otherwise noted, photographs are courtesy of the Ray Wallman Collection.
Back to 1984
Pamphlet for first International Festival, 1984
Banda Recreativa Portuguese, Peabody Square, facing Courthouse
Polish Kitchen; second from the right Lola Busta
Artists in the first International Festival, 1984
Musicians: JAK Corp.
Unidentified Musicians
Performance Schedule for first International Festival, 1984
Folk Dancers
Folk Dancers
Peabody Girl Scout Troop 893
Festival Layout, 1984
Booths on Lowell Street
Onto 1985
International Festival Aerial, looking towards Main Street, 1985
Mayor Peter Torigian
Peabody High School Marching Band
AOH Booth, Central Fire Station in the Background
Rancho Folklorio Booth, in front of Brodie’s
Peabody Square, looking towards Lowell Street
Fortune Palace Restaurant
Bob Quinn in costume; photographed by Steven Speliotis
Left to Right: Terri Whittier, Ellen Evitts, Barbara Doucette
Want to know more? Peabody TV created a comprehensive documentary on the history of the International Festival. See link to video here. Courtesy of Peabody TV.
See you on Sunday, September 11th! The Historical Society’s booth is now at the intersection of Park and Main Streets. Come say hi!
Until then, take it easy.
