Have you ever felt like you truly arrived in America, not in a bustling city or at a famous landmark, but in a quiet, unexpected small town? As an international student, my life often revolves around campus, but on a sunny Saturday, Sept. 27, I took a detour to Barberton, Ohio, to visit the hometown of my friend, Marissa. What started as a simple trip to a local flower show turned into a profound cultural and artistic discovery.
Our destination was the annual Barberton Mum Festival. For those unfamiliar, the Mum Festival is Barberton’s signature event, known for showcasing thousands of cultivated chrysanthemums (mums). Yet, when we arrived, the atmosphere was less of a formal garden show and more of a warm community market. This instantly reminded me of the periodic markets in Korea—a place where people gather, not just to shop, but to connect.
The late September heat was intense, but we quickly found relief. We picked up some iced tea, and I chose peach, served in an adorable cup. My international friends ordered the sweet and raspberry iced tea, and we were all impressed by how perfectly balanced and refreshing they were! They were not that sweet as I expected. It was delicious moment of relief in the heat.
After enjoying the festival grounds, Marissa offered to give us a tour of the downtown area. I admit I had low expectations; I imagined a quiet street, similar to Ada. The reality was a complete shock. Barberton’s downtown was vibrant, packed with an unexpected variety of specialty stores and buzzing with energy. Walking down the main street, I saw the unique architecture and local life. I truly felt that rush of realizing, "I am finally in America."
The most memorable discovery of the day happened when we spontaneously walked into an old, large building that turned out to be a massive antique store. I don't recall the name, but I won't forget the scale. The entire building was completely filled with every kind of antique imaginable. The second and third floors were partitioned into what felt like at least 10 separate rooms. Each room was curated with a unique theme, like individual galleries within a single building.
We explored rooms devoted entirely to contemporary arts, others to historical and religious artifacts, and one corner overflowing with vintage clothes and accessories. Without any special intention or plan, this unassuming antique shop served as an museum, offering a dizzying, beautiful look at history and artistic expression from all over the world.
My trip to the Barberton Mum Festival was a powerful reminder that the best parts of studying abroad often aren't planned. They happen when you follow a friend's lead and embrace the local, the small, and the unexpected. A simple town festival can lead to a moment of profound cultural realization and artistic discovery.
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