The fourth Children of the World International Festival was held on April 18, 2009 at the Hunt Armory in Shadyside (located at 324 Emerson Street, across from the school). This every-other-year family event is sponsored by Sacred Heart School in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh. It is open to the public.

The Children of the World festival featured food, music, dance, artistic demonstrations, children’s activities and more to celebrate the cultures of more than 30 countries. Area restaurants provide an array of ethnic foods for sale. Some delicious dishes that have been prepared at past festivals include spring rolls and Thai chicken, tapas, Swedish meatballs, jambalaya and hummus, and a variety of delicious desserts from area bakeries and restaurants.

Entertainment included local children’s groups performing traditional music and dancing including African drumming, Filipino dancing, Bulgarian dancing, Irish step-dancing, Greek dancing, Scottish bagpipe performances, Chinese lion dances, and much more. A smaller stage offered karaoke performances.

The festival also featured displays representing more than 30 countries from around the world. The booths were lovingly prepared by area families, many of whom live in Pittsburgh on short or extended stays, working and studying at the city’s hospitals, universities, and businesses. The booths feature photos and facts about their home countries, samples of crafts and artwork, games and more.

In addition to the educational displays, entertainment and ethnic foods, the festival featured children’s games, a raffle, gift baskets, and a silent auction of beautiful furniture hand-painted by area artists and architects.

Area businesses and organizations played a part by hosting educational displays and through sponsorships, donations and advertising.