International students to present their cultures and traditions at World's Fare
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Twenty international student groups at Indiana University Bloomington will showcase their countries with an array of cultural displays, international food and traditional performances at the seventh annual IU World's Fare on Thursday, Nov. 7.
The IU Office of International Services and IU Union Board again are partnering to coordinate the event in celebration of International Education Week. Doors will open to the public at 5 p.m. at IU Alumni Hall in the Indiana Memorial Union, 900 E. Seventh St.
Visitors will be greeted by the music of the quartet Amalgama, which will perform vibrant rhythms of Latin America. The group consists of keyboard player Isaac Salazar, vocalist Angel Nickole, conga player Andres Rosa Artis and trumpet player Rick Adjuick. The musicians have performed extensively as members of other musical groups and boast a large repertoire. They will entertain the event’s visitors with Latin genres such as merengue, salsa, cumbia, bachata and cha-cha.
International student groups will be showing their creativity through cultural displays. Each booth will represent a different country, providing an opportunity for visitors to become familiar with a number of cultures while interacting with the international students. Performances by the student groups will add to the festivities.
“Having this great event at IU Bloomington for the seventh year not only speaks to the value of global cultures but to the commitment the international student groups have made to continue to bring awareness about their countries and the pride they feel sharing their cultures with the people who attend the event," said Sandy Britton, associate director for international student life at IU Bloomington.
"It’s truly rewarding to watch that interaction. We hope that we will see an even larger crowd this year and that people will help us spread the word," she added.
New this year will be a booth to highlight the United States and to showcase its ethnic diversity and place in the world community.
"Union Board is excited to participate in World's Fare again this year because it is one of the only events of its kind on this campus," said Kelsey Padgham, the organization's chair for cultural events. "This program brings value to the IU community by giving students the opportunity to learn about different cultures and their cuisines, history and traditions."
Visitors will have an opportunity to sample and enjoy international food throughout the evening. All recipes were submitted by the international students and prepared by IMU Dining Services staff.
Faculty, staff, students and members of the Bloomington community are welcome to join the festivities. There is no admission fee for IU students who show their university-issued identification card. Non-students can purchase a ticket at the door for $4, which entitles the holder to sample eight different international dishes.
The event will end at 8 p.m. with awards given for first, second and third places to the best performances and cultural displays. The Office of International Services also will introduce winners of the International Student and Scholar Photo Contest.
Related Links
Members of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association performed traditional dances at last year's World's Fare.
Twenty student groups, including the African Student Association, will create cultural displays.
Media Contacts
George Vlahakis
- IU Communications
- Office 812-855-0846
- Cell 812-345-1500
- vlahakis@iu.edu
- IU Inc.
Sandy Britton
- Office of International Services
- Office 812-855-9086
- sbritton@indiana.edu