It is quite remarkable to reflect back on the origins of Sharpvue Irmo International Festival. An idea here, a vision there, and the vision of a festival celebrating the vibrant diversity of Irmo became a reality.
The initial vision for the festival came over breakfast, as several members of the community met with Mayor Hardy King, building on the positive momentum generated through various public square dialogues on diversity. ‘It takes a village’, or so they say, and in our case ‘it took a town.’ Key partners and stakeholders, including school representatives, faith groups, artists, businesses, and town residents, came together to create the first festival on April 28, 2019.
On a shoestring budget, and overwhelming enthusiasm from the community, the first sprinkling of the community Rangoli art display, designed by tour de force artist, Khaldoune Bencheikh, marked a week-long journey to the weekend festival. Members of the community gathered at the Irmo Community Park each weeknight evening to add to the artwork, which would be a signature feature of the first festival.
On the day of the festival itself, artists, vendors, entertainers, and festival goers were treated to a diverse array of international food, culture, poetry, art, and entertainment, and a good time was had by all.
Local school kids from K-12th grade received prizes for their award-winning poetry and artwork, showcased in a transformed picnic shelter ‘gallery’. When we eventually packed up our final wares that evening, we left the park, leaving nothing behind, except the Rangoli, which served as a fingerprint of a magnificent day.
SHARPVUE IRMO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL (SIIF) is a nonprofit organization devoted to fostering appreciation for global cultures.
Mostly behind the scenes working with marketing, financing, partnerships and helping to raise capital. You might run into me around irmo at The Bistro or hanging out at the main Sharpvue HQ working.
Fun Fact: I love the color orange and every company I start has a hint of orange in it somewhere as my signature of ownership.
In 2023, I enthusiastically became a part of the SHARPVUE Irmo International Festival team, focusing on expanding local business sponsorships. My role was instrumental in increasing funding for this dynamic event, with a key objective being to shine a spotlight on sponsors' brands. By fostering strategic partnerships, we aimed to create a win-win scenario where sponsors enjoyed heightened visibility and a boosted business image, while the festival thrived as a result of their support. Our mission is to make 2024 a year of remarkable collaboration, enriching both the festival experience and the local business community.
As the newly elected Mayor of Irmo, I’m proud to be part of our Annual International Festival. Speaking internationally, my daughter and I spent 10 days in Europe this past April, retracing my father’s WWII footsteps. He served in the Third Army under General Patton, with the 80th Infantry, 319th Regiment, Company E.
From Utah Beach to Germany, he fought bravely, earning two Purple Hearts while serving this great country. This emotional journey through France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany was years in the making and gave us a deeper appreciation of his sacrifices. I highly recommend visiting these historic places; the hospitality we received was unforgettable.
Dan Koon is a lifelong resident of the Irmo area. A graduate of Irmo High and Newberry College, Dan began his work career with the SC Governor’s Office in 1982 under Governor Richard Riley. In 1989 Dan began working for the SC Human Affairs Commission whose mission is to prevent and eliminate discrimination and to promote mutual understanding and respect among all South Carolinians. Retiring after 39 years of State Service in 2023, when he is not gardening or spending time with his family and friends, Dan is active in the church life of Bethlehem Lutheran in Irmo and serves on the Board of the Friends of the Lexington County Museum.
An IT Senior Systems Analyst by day, I love any opportunity that involves bringing people of diverse cultures together. This international festival is dearer still because it happens right here in Irmo, a place my family and I have called home for the last 15+years.
Kary Vega is a multilingual educator and community leader with more than 30 years of experience across the United States and South America, in roles ranging from literacy coach and ESOL/Spanish teacher to program coordinator, financial educator and community outreach coordinator. She is also an Entertainment Project Manager and a Board Member of the SIIF Chamber.
A SIIF volunteer since 2024, Kary loves celebrating diversity and connecting people, and brings her global perspective, educational expertise and passion for culture to the festival.
Libby Hendley joined the Sharpvue Irmo International Festival committee in 2023. A 40-year Irmo resident, she retired from USC’s Darla Moore School after 35 years as Director of the Professional MBA Program, working with employers like BMW and Boeing. Libby enjoys gardening, reading, and international travel.
Mary Kennerly, Ph.D. worked as a teacher and school administrator for 43 years in Richland and Lexington counties and in Dekalb County, GA. She's an active community volunteer in her retirement. She's lived in the Irmo community for the past 50 years.
Stewart Wright is a native of Irmo and a 1990 graduate of Irmo High School. He served for 31 years in the United States Air Force in civil engineering and security forces squadrons. He is a member of St. Paul AME Church in Irmo and serves on its Trustee Board.
Stewart currently works for Lexington/Richland School District 5 in the Transportation Department. He is a loving father of five children.
