To experience other cultures, people often have to travel many miles to distant countries and faraway lands. However, on Saturday, March 28, Northwestern students and community members are invited to taste unique foods, watch exciting dances, listen to traditional music and marvel at authentic dress from 25 different countries.
The Northwestern International Club will bring their own cultural experiences to Orange City when they host the Ethnic Fair, which is an annual event on campus in the RSC Four-Court Area. The International Club, also known as the I-Club, consists of 33 students from Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, Latin America and North America.
The I-Club provides a way for both international and American students to learn about one another’s cultures and build relationships by holding meetings and hosting events like this one.
An all-you-can-eat buffet is one of the highlights of the event, which is held in the Rowenhorst Student Center gymnasium. The buffet portion of the event starts at 5 p.m. and the entertainment including Bollywood and African dancing, a fashion show, a performance by Black V, Northwestern’s improv group, and several singing acts, begins at 5:30 p.m. Games and prizes are also some of the highlights of this event.
“This is my first year and my first Ethnic Fair so I am just excited to see how many people will come and what people will think of the food we prepare for them,” said Naomi Sasaki, a freshman international student from Japan.
Sasaki will be cooking green tea cheesecake, one of her favorite foods, for those participating in the event.
“The Ethnic Fair is an annual highlight for many in the NW and Sioux County communities,” Associate Dean for International Affairs Dr. Kevin McMahan said. “The International Club is working hard to offer another great menu and variety show that celebrates the many cultures they bring to our region.”
International students are looking forward to sharing their culture, food and music with their fellow students and the community in a fun and exciting way. Coming together and experiencing the different cultures provides a way for the community, campus and international students to interact and build relationships while simultaneously promoting diversity.
The admission price, including the buffet of international foods, is $12 for community guests, $6 for children eight and under and $1 for Northwestern students. Guests wanting to only attend the entertainment portion of the event will be charged $1.
