It could be any urban garden anywhere, but something special is growing in Akron.
There's corn, tomatoes, even flowers at Shanti Community Farm, a place where cultures connect using hot peppers
Bhakta Rizal is from Bhutan where hot peppers are a cultural staple. Many refugees from Bhutan and Nepal that now call Akron home brought peppers along with them.
The peppers will take center stage at the upcoming Akron Hot Pepper Festival. But just like the garden, the festival is about more than peppers.
"We think it's a great atmosphere for learning," says Tom Crain from Shanti Farms. "Introducing that international component really enriches what's going on."
"To learn a new language in a new country with a new culture is very difficult for them," adds Rizal.
But farming these flaming hot beauties could open doors that lead to understanding between both our cultures.
The Akron Hot Pepper Festival will take place Friday from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Patterson Park Community Center on the city’s North side. There will be samples of Nepali food, Nepali dancers, and a tour of Shanti Farm. Also, cultural demonstrations in bamboo splitting and snake-gourd-dart-throwing.
The main event though is all about the peppers. A contest searching for the hottest pepper in Akron and a hot pepper eating contest. Show organizers say there will be “cooling beverages” on hand to help counter the peppers.
Click here to learn more about The Akron Hot Pepper Festival.