International Fun, on a Bun

The United Nations came to Orange County this weekend for the 20th International Street Fair, offering a smorgasbord for the thousands who flocked to this city’s central plaza Saturday afternoon.

“Denmark: You’ll Love It,” proclaimed one overhead banner, encouraging eaters to sample the Danish delicacy ableskiver--fluffy fried dough balls dipped in raspberry jam and topped with powdered sugar. “Velhommen til Norge” read another sign, offering rare Norwegian imported beer. And above the stand selling ice cream-filled crepes, the message simply stated: “Greetings From Austria.”

There were 72 food booths in all, with cuisine ranging from American Indian tacos to German bratwurst to Japanese sushi and teriyaki. Each represented country set up a national “street” in one section of the Chapman Avenue-Glassell Street crossroads, some bleding the sounds and tastes of their native cultures with folk tunes to match the ethnic foods.

“We’ve never seen such a multicultural event in all our lives,” said Brenda Robbie of Hampshire, England, who first visited the fair with her husband 14 years ago and has returned to the city of Orange every Labor Day weekend since. “There’s nothing like this back home.”

Led by a Glendale couple who also have returned to Orange each year for the fair, dozens of performers engaged in traditional Greek dances as the band, Hellenic Sounds, played music from the Mediterranean.

“Basically, we like to dance,” said a breathless Ann Gominski, 53, after she finished twirling in a flowered skirt and straw hat. “But I especially enjoy this because it’s international.”

Appropriately placed on the corner of Olive Street, the Greek contingent had souvlakia, gyros and special pastries to accompany the circle dancers.

“Take a pita and stuff it,” encouraged the Arab-American street group, featuring hourly belly dancing performances and Middle Eastern delicacies, such as falafel, baklava and French fries.

French fries?

“I think French fries (are) universal,” said proprietor Patricia Hassan. “All the kids like them. Sometimes it’s difficult to get the kids to eat our food, so they all ask for French fries.”

“Welcome to Planet Orange,” announced the banner above a plastic foam globe decorated with a neighborhood-by-neighborhood map of the city. Echoing the fair’s 1992 theme, All-American Street displayed the slogan, “Orange Is a Small World.”

Beside the food, the fair included 52 arts and crafts booths, with homemade jewelry, clothing, hats and pottery. Also, there were about three dozen stands selling commercial wares. Bands perform all day and night.

Fair organizers expect about 350,000 people to visit the fair through today. It is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.