February 26, 2013

International Fair brings a world of cultures together

On Saturday, the campus community, friends, neighbors, and the general public will gather for the culminating event: a daylong fair with food, performances, and fashion.

International students at Lewis & Clark are taking the community around the world in seven days, leading up to the 48th annual International Fair on March 2.

Throughout the week, cultural displays outside of Fields Dining Room will provide an opportunity for passersby to learn about many of the 80 nationalities present at Lewis & Clark. The interactive displays will include traditional clothing and representations of other traditions.

“This weeklong celebration allows for individual countries, some with only one representative at Lewis & Clark, to participate in the fair,” Rita Ombaka ’14, chair of the International Fair, said.

On Saturday, the campus community, friends, neighbors, and the general public will gather for the culminating event: a daylong fair with food, performances, and fashion. Around 150 members of the Lewis & Clark community are pitching in to make the day a success.

“We have 26 country chairs who take lead in organizing food and performances,” Ombaka said. “Along with that, Akin dorm residents are volunteering throughout the week, and over 50 other volunteers are helping each region.”

The exciting lineup of performances includes dances, stand-up comedy, student-composed music, and a fashion show. Students will present a diverse menu of delicious regional foods as well, serving Caribbean jerk chicken, Thai pumpkin curry, bubble tea, seafood gumbo, and much more.

Everyday, Lewis & Clark is a dynamic global community, but the International Fair is an opportunity to take time to celebrate our diversity. All are invited to participate in the festivities on Saturday, March 2. The meal will take place in Templeton Campus Center between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children) and performances will take place in Agnes Flanagan Chapel from 2 to 4 p.m. Attendance is free for the performances. 

 

Blue Lassiter CAS ’15 contributed to this story.