Diversity the Highlight at 4th Annual Taste of Jerling Feb. 20

Caption: The Trombetta/Saharkhiz family offered delicious taste of Persian cuisine and an impressive cultural display for attendees to enjoy during the 2013 Taste of Jerling International Night.

The 4th annual celebration of ethnic diversity, dubbed “Taste of Jerling,” will feature foods from around the world, cultural displays and performances from the Carl Sandburg High School International Club.

“This school event is one of the most fantastic I have ever attended,” said Deb Trnka, local parent and this year’s PFE International Night Co-Coordinator. “I participated in the event four years ago, representing Croatia. I had such a wonderful time and knew that I wanted to be a part of it again In the years to come.” Trnka is not only a “part of it” but has managed to put the event together this year with her Co-Coordinator Nooshin Trombetta, representing Iran.

“When my daughter began attending Jerling we were excited to learn that Jerling PFE offered this event for families to enjoy,” said Trombetta. “We not only had a wonderful time, but learned so much about the different countries represented, their culture and cuisines.”

Attendees are treated to samplings of a vast array of cultural delicacies while viewing displays depicting life and history of the country represented. Guests then move into the performance area to be entertained by the talented dancers from Carl Sandburg High School International Club.

“We have been lucky enough to, once again, secure the amazingly talented local high school students for our annual event,” said Trombetta. “From the Philippines to Mexico to the Middle East, we will enjoy dance performances from around the globe.”

The Jerling PFE (Parents for Education) is sponsoring the event and invites the community to come and enjoy the evening.

Cost for admission is $1.00/per person and children 4 and under are free. Baskets filled with gift cards to local venues, various prizes and international items of interest will be raffled off during the performance portion of the event.

“We had some great donations from Jerling families to fill the raffle baskets this year,” said Jerling parent and raffle organizer, Kelly Cantillon. “The raffle is always a crowd favorite, especially the prizes like “Principal for a Day” and “school announcement leader” which the kids really enjoy.”

Cash and credit card are accepted for raffle baskets and spirit wear. Cash only for admission. The event will be held on Friday, Feb. 20 at Jerling Junior High, located at 8851 W 151st Street in Orland Park. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event ends at 8:30 p.m. .

For more information, email jerlingpfe@gmail.com or visit the Jerling PFE facebook page at facebook.com/jerlingpfe.