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Immigrants show support for Trump at International Folk Festival in Fayetteville

Thousands of people came out over the weekend to savor food, music and art from around the world at the International Folk Festival in Fayetteville.

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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Thousands of people came out over the weekend to savor food, music and art from around the world at the International Folk Festival in Fayetteville.

Sunday was the final day of the three day celebration at Festival Park that featured more than 30 cultures- from Latin America to Southeast Asia- showing their colors and dishing our cuisine.

The festival, which began as a way to celebrate Fayetteville’s large foreign-born population, celebrated its 38th year in 2016. The event has grown into one of the biggest festivals in the southeast.

Aurora Crowell, a native of Peru, called the day a beautiful tapestry.

“I think it’s great. We can see everybody’s culture here represented and I love all the people’s cultures and religions too,” she said. “I love to see the variety here. It’s wonderful.”

Those who were born in foreign countries but have since become United States citizens have a voice in the national conversation about life in the country following the upcoming election.

Among critics of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, xenophobic is a word that has been brandied about. At the International Folk Festival, people from other countries said they support Trump.

“I’m Trump all the way,” said Sommai Clark. “I think he will tell the truth.”

In his speeches, Trump has talked about building a wall along the Mexican border, banning Muslims and getting tough about China.

‘I’m from China. I love my country, but I don’t like who’s in control, the ruler of the country,” said Wesley Ke.

Ke said he wants Trump to be president to represent people like him because of his straightforward nature, but Crowell said Trump's speeches can hit some people hard.

"He's a character. He has no respect for people, for anybody," she said.

Organizers said about 100,000 people showed up at the festival, which is sponsored by WRAL News, throughout the weekend.

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