Today, I came across a poster for the Brookings Summer Arts Festival, which will take place next weekend. This annual July event transforms Brookings Pioneer Park into a vibrant space filled with art displays, diverse food options, antiques, and entertainment (of course). It’s one of the biggest art events in South Dakota, attracting thousands of visitors over two days. While art enthusiasts meticulously examine the paintings, there are also those like me, who, perhaps due to a lack of expertise in the world of art, tend to shy away from purchasing antiques or tinkering with quirky knick-knacks (if that’s even a term). Since my first visit to the event in 2007, there’s been one compelling reason why I spend more than an hour at the park—the Filipino booth.
Also: See all my travel adventures here.
In the summer of 2007, it was Ma Carol who insisted… oops, dragged me by the hair… oops, gently coaxed me… oops, invited me to attend the festival. She claims to be my foster mom (wink), and I love her to the max. Back then, I was still a stranger to most of the Filipinos in the area. Many had already made South Dakota their home and established their families here. Despite my initial shyness, I received the warmest welcome. Warmest in the sense that I felt an instant connection with everyone—no sense of detachment whatsoever. Trust me, it wasn’t because of the “piniritong isda,” the “ginisang mongo,” or the “Boy Bawang” they offered me for lunch! The connection was rooted in the renowned Filipino hospitality, which I felt immediately.
Seeing so many Pinoys in one place, chatting like there was no tomorrow, reminded me of a typical Pinoy neighborhood—where we love to talk, laugh, sing, and enjoy the weekend with friends and loved ones. The karaoke session that followed was unforgettable—imagine us in the park with a TV and microphone, the sound blaring, while an amused American audience watched us!
The food from the Filipino booth was exceptional! A big shoutout to Tita Annie and Tito Bing. Kudos to this lovely couple and their family, who filled our stomachs with an endless supply of barbecue, kebabs, and egg rolls. Others also shared their delectable Pinoy specialties. Overall, it felt like a joyous barrio fiesta. Yes, that feeling.
Life in the United States isn’t always easy for Filipinos. Time and again, stories have been shared about how many Filipino-Americans don’t live in beds of roses. That summer of 2007, I heard stories about how marrying someone from a different culture can be challenging, even frustrating. The people I met at my first Brookings Summer Festival embodied the courage and determination that’s inherent in most, if not all, Filipino-Americans. They persevere in pursuing a better life for their families, both here in the States and for those back in the Philippines.
Next week’s arts festival will be my sixth. I’m looking forward to an even happier Filipino gathering. We Pinoys are one happy brown race, aren’t we?
Visit the Filipino booth and enjoy the food on July 14 and 15 at Pioneer Park!
Video: Brookings Arts Festival 2007
Where to stay in Brookings, South Dakota.
Super 8 Brookings Sd (around $85 a night)
Situated in Brookings, Super 8 Brookings Sd is close to McCrory Gardens, South Dakota State University, and Edgebrook Golf Course. Also nearby is Children’s Museum of South Dakota. Super 8 Brookings Sd has an indoor pool and a spa tub. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. There is a business center on site. Guests are served a complimentary breakfast each morning. Additional amenities include laundry facilities and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Complimentary self parking is available onsite for guests. The 5 guestrooms at Super 8 Brookings Sd include air conditioning. Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access is provided. Rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs with cable channels. In-room microwaves and refrigerators are provided.
Quality Inn (around $94 a night)
Situated in the heart of Brookings, Quality Inn is close to McCrory Gardens, South Dakota State University, and Edgebrook Golf Course. Also nearby is Children’s Museum of South Dakota. Guests are served a complimentary breakfast. In addition to a fitness center, Quality Inn features complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Wireless Internet access is complimentary in public areas. Self parking is complimentary. The 50 air-conditioned guestrooms at Quality Inn include coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Guests can use the in-room complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access. Televisions are equipped with cable channels. All accommodations provide phones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). All units feature microwaves and refrigerators.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brookings (around $120 a night)
Situated in Brookings, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brookings is close to McCrory Gardens, South Dakota State University, and Edgebrook Golf Course. Also nearby is Children’s Museum of South Dakota. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brookings has an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center. Additional amenities include multilingual staff, laundry facilities, and coffee/tea in the lobby. Self parking is complimentary. Guestrooms at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brookings offer complimentary newspapers and coffee/tea makers. Televisions are equipped with premium cable channels. All accommodations provide desks along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). In-room microwaves and refrigerators are provided. Additional amenities include hair dryers and irons/ironing boards.
Search for a hotel that is within your travel budget.
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I am Chinese student and I like the Philippines food. I will visit the booth again.