International Holiday Pop-Up Shop makes debut in Downtown Decatur
Local fifth graders from Title I School performed original poetry slam
DECATUR, GA. – The first ever International Holiday Pop-Up Shop was held December 16, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. thanks to The Decatur Retail Incubator Program (D.R.I.P.) and the International Community School (ICS). The sidewalk pop-up shop took place in the plaza at 419 W Ponce de Leon in front of D.R.I.P.’s retail space, by Dancing Goats and Fleet Feet.
Twelve vendors sold food and handicrafts from around the world. Women in the Afghan, Burmese, Philippine and Kurdish community served cultural foods. Others sold fine art wire sculptures, purses, handmade dolls, and leatherworking. One booth hosted four young entrepreneurs from ICS who sold their own gift bags of slime and stress balls and beaded ornaments.
At the end of the evening, fifth grade refugee and local students performed an outdoor poetry slam. Their original poems told the story of identity and optimism, based on the format of “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon.
Photos of the event available upon request.
About ICS Charter School
The International Community School (ICS) is an International Baccalaureate World School that educates refugees, immigrants, and local children in grades kindergarten through 5th grade. ICS provides a rigorous and holistic education in an intentionally diverse community of mutual learners. For the 2020-21 school year, of 405 ICS students, 46% qualified as Limited English Proficient, and 74% qualified for free/reduced price lunch. Students come from 25 countries and speak over 30 languages.
About D.R.I.P.
The Decatur Retail Incubator Program (The D.R.I.P.) provides online-only, homegrown businesses the opportunity to test their concepts and adapt to a brick-and-mortar shop. The goal is to recruit diverse new retail businesses into downtown Decatur.
###
