Thousands of people took a trip around the world May 13 -- but they never left Rancho Cordova.

Rancho Cordova’s international festival – iFest – returned to Village Green Park for a milestone tenth year with a visual carnival of color, wine tasting by KP International Market and even a pair of amazing camels, attracting record crowds.

On a picture perfect day, visitors grabbed selfies scaling the Great Wall of China or Eiffel Tower with the help of green screen technology. Others hitched a ride on a pedicab, learned about animals from around the world, had their arm tattooed with henna art or took a swing at a Mexican piñata. An estimated 3,500 people visited iFest 2017.

The 75th anniversary of Japanese internment was marked by a commemorative educational display, and with the help of the Sacramento Children’s Museum, kids learned about various world cultures. Faces were painted, rock walls were scaled and more. Food trucks served up everything from sweet French waffles to savory Mediterranean gyros.

But the shining jewel of the event was the jam-packed amphitheater, which was full from beginning to end as host Andy Gee directed the traffic on stage during a virtual world tour. Hula dancers, lively Mexican folklorico, Middle Eastern belly dancers and smart-stepping Irish dancers were just a sampling of what was in store on stage. Chinese Lion Dancers snaked their way and Aztec dancers provided an elaborate ceremonial spectacle.

“iFest is about cultural understanding and appreciating our differences, as well as celebrating our common values,” said Shelly Blanchard, executive director of the Cordova Community Council, producer of the event. “Everybody learns something new at iFest.”

Producer of iFest was the Cordova Community Council. Sponsors of iFest included Chick-Fil-A Rivergate, Republic Services, Michael Baker International, City of Rancho Cordova, B&J Towing, Raleys Bel-Air, Rancho Cordova Travel and Tourism, Cordova Recreation and Park District, Mary Nelsel Lyon Real Estate, Rancho Cordova Rotary, Ronnie Belka and Julie Hagan-Belka, California American Water, Smile Kingdom Dental, Wells Fargo, Sunrise Orthodontics, Golden State Water Company, Assemblyman Ken Cooley, Heritage Community Credit Union and Folsom Cordova Unified School District, American River Brewery, Costa Vida, Quick Quack Car Wash, SMUD, Grocery Outlet, Bayside Life, River City Christian and KP International Market.