Annual International Fair

Lewis & Clark College’s Annual International Fair facilitates the exchange of culture, customs, experiences, and knowledge between international students, Third Culture Kids, and American students. Celebrating our variety of backgrounds, interests, and goals, our International Fair dates back to the 1960s and reflects our strong commitment to international education.

The Annual International Fair is a vibrant and enriching celebration that showcases the diverse cultural heritage of its student body. This event is a day-long festival that brings together students, faculty, staff, and members of the local community. The Fair features a wide array of activities including cultural performances, international cuisine, educational booths, and interactive workshops. It serves as a platform for international students to share their traditions and cultures, fostering a sense of global awareness and mutual understanding within the college community. Highlighting the rich tapestry of cultures represented on campus, the International Fair is a testament to Lewis & Clark College’s commitment to international education and cross-cultural exchange. This much-anticipated event not only educates but also entertains, making it a highlight of the academic year and a meaningful experience for all who participate.


Monday, February 26th - International Cuisine in the Bon!

  • Lunch: Eastern Europe
    • Beef Stroganoff: A classic Russian dish of sautéed pieces of beef served in a sauce with smetana (sour cream). Comforting and rich, it’s a hearty start to the week’s international culinary exploration.
  • Dinner: Western Europe
    • Guinness Beef Stew and Mashed Potatoes: A savory stew made with beef slow-cooked in Guinness beer, paired with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a traditional Irish meal that’s both filling and flavorful.

Tuesday, February 27th

  • Lunch: East Asia
    • Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet): A Japanese dish consisting of a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet served with cabbage and a sweet and tangy sauce. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, it’s a beloved comfort food in Japan.
  • Dinner: Vietnam
    • Pho Bo (Beef Pho): A Vietnamese soup known for its fragrant broth, rice noodles, and slices of beef. It’s garnished with herbs and lime, offering a perfect balance of flavors.

Wednesday, February 28th

  • Lunch: China
    • (Gan Chao Niu He) Dry Fried Rice Sticks with Beef: This dish features stir-fried rice noodles with slices of beef, vegetables, and a savory sauce. It’s a staple Cantonese dish, known for its smoky flavor.
  • Dinner: Latin America
    • Choripán: A simple yet delicious sandwich made with grilled chorizo (sausage) placed in a crusty bread roll, often topped with chimichurri sauce. It’s a popular street food in various South American countries.

Thursday, February 29th

  • Lunch: South Asia
    • Momo: Dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, native to the Himalayan regions of Nepal, Tibet, and India. Served with a dipping sauce, they are a delightful treat.
  • Dinner: Southeast Asia
    • Goreng Ayam: An Indonesian and Malaysian favorite, this dish consists of chicken marinated in spices, then fried until golden. It’s often served with rice and sambal (chili sauce).

Friday, March 1st

  • Lunch: Middle East
    • Manakeesh Zataar: A popular Levantine food consisting of dough topped with za’atar (a mix of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac) and olive oil, then baked. It’s enjoyed as a breakfast or snack.
  • Dinner: Sub-Saharan Africa
    • Chips Mayai - Tanzanian French Fried Omelette: A street food favorite from Tanzania, combining French fries cooked into an omelette. Simple yet satisfying, it’s often enjoyed with a side of kachumbari (tomato and onion salad).

*NOTE: All meals come with a vegan and non-vegan option, along with a salad and dessert.


Saturday, March 2nd

International Tabling
STAMM, 11 AM to 1 PM

The International Fair’s tabling session offers an immersive cultural experience. This session showcases 10 tables, each representing a unique global region, where attendees can interact with cultural ambassadors, explore a wealth of informative materials, and engage with interactive displays.
The photobooth, featuring the fair’s logo, and a communal mosaic canvas encourage creative participation. Leave your mark, forever to be, at the launch of our annual, unique, international mosaic!
You don’t have the right passport if you don’t have the International Fair passport - rewarding you with raffle tickets for exploring each table, embodying the spirit of global exploration and community; raffle tickets which grant you a chance to win one of our exciting prizes:

  • Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)
  • Amazon Kindle
  • HomePod Mini

To be eligible for a prize, attend the following Fashion Show Performances sections of the Fair - enrich our experience, make the performers happy, and let’s all come together for one of the most exciting times of the year!


Fashion Show
Begins at 2 PM in the Flanagan Chapel

This year, our Fashion Show, while enriching our experiences by expanding our views and sharing their history and culture, will give participants a chance to win a prize: Sony Noise-Cancelling Headphones!
This will be made possible by our lovely audience! You will have a QR code right in front of you to scan, taking you to one of our forms, where you will be able to give a vote to your favorite outfit and presentation by our performers! We urge you to consider the presentation, effort put in, and your overall liking! 

  • Andalucía (Spain): Showcasing the traje de flamenca, embodying the spirit of flamenco and cultural resilience of Andalusian and Roma communities.
  • Nepal: Featuring the saree, a symbol of elegance and femininity, highlighting its historical significance and beauty.
  • Germany: Presenting the dirndl, a traditional Bavarian dress that reflects folk culture and conveys the wearer’s marital status through the apron’s knot.
  • Palestine: Displaying Palestinian tatreez, a form of embroidery rich in history and resistance, representing collective memory.
  • China (Hanfu): Introducing Hanfu, the traditional attire of the Han Chinese, showcasing a revival in contemporary fashion and cultural events.
  • China (Tang Dynasty - Qixiong Ruqun): Highlighting the qixiong ruqun, a symbol of the Tang Dynasty’s prosperity, emphasizing beauty norms of the era.
  • Vietnam: Featuring the Ao Dai, a representation of Vietnamese femininity and national pride, blending traditional and contemporary styles.
  • China (Ming Dynasty - Ma Mian Qun): Showcasing the Ma Mian Qun, a traditional Chinese skirt designed for practicality and status during the Ming Dynasty.
  • Japan (Kimono): Presenting the kimono, a traditional Japanese garment that symbolizes elegance and cultural heritage.
  • China (Ming Dynasty - 马面裙): Displaying the 马面裙 with horse-face pleats, a testament to the sophisticated aesthetic of Chinese clothing traditions.
  • China (Song Dynasty Hanfu): Featuring a Hanfu influenced by the Song dynasty, reflecting simplicity and elegance in traditional Chinese attire.

 

Student Performances
Begin Immediately After the Fashion Show

  • South Asia: A dance performance with captivating lights, showcasing the vibrant culture of the region.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa (Madagascar): A heartfelt acoustic piano song in Malagasy, exploring the depths of familial love.
  • Middle East / Latin America: A unique singing mashup in Spanish and Arabic, blending cultures through music.
  • Indonesia (Southeast Asia): A solo traditional dance adorned with intricate costumes and accessories.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa with Diaspora: A dance performance promising engaging audio and visuals, celebrating African heritage.
  • China: A group dance to the song 小城夏天, highlighting the joy of Chinese summer in a small town.
  • East Asia: A solo piano performance of The Moon Represents My Heart, evoking deep emotions and cultural pride.
  • Japan (Fisherman Dance): A traditional Soran Bushi dance by Japan Club members, embracing the spirit of fishermen.
  • Japan (San San Nana Byoushi): A blend of dance, chant, and drumming, presenting a rhythmic celebration of Japanese culture.
  • Hungary: A poetic recitation in English and Hungarian, celebrating linguistic heritage and cultural identity.
  • Mexico: A solo or duet singing mariachi, offering a taste of Mexican musical tradition, possibly accompanied by a track.
  • Japan (My Prettiest Girl): A dance to “Mada Kimi wa Shiranai / My Prettiest Girl” by Japan Club members, showcasing contemporary Japanese culture.

Events:
February 29th:

  • Cendol Making Workshop (5:00 - 6:00 p.m., IME Suite): Dive into the refreshing world of cendol, a cherished shaved ice dessert beloved across Southeast Asia. Known by various names like che, lot chong, or es dawet, this sweet concoction is the perfect antidote to a warm summer’s day. Join us for an immersive workshop where you’ll learn the art of creating your very own cendol, blending vibrant flavors and textures for a truly tropical treat.

  • East Asian Board Games and Snacks (7:00 - 9:00 p.m., IME Suite): Spend an enchanting evening exploring the rich cultural heritage of East Asia through traditional board games and delightful snacks. This casual gathering is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others while enjoying some of the region’s most popular pastimes. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the games, you’re sure to find joy and camaraderie in this engaging event.

March 1st:

  • Vietnamese Fried Spring Roll Workshop (5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Howard Basement): Savor the flavors of Vietnam with a hands-on workshop dedicated to the art of making fried spring rolls, a beloved snack cherished by many. Guided by experts, you’ll learn how to combine fresh ingredients into the perfect roll, achieving the crispy, golden exterior and savory interior that make Vietnamese spring rolls a global favorite. This interactive experience promises not just a skill to take home, but a taste of Vietnamese culture you’ll never forget.

See an example of one of our previous years:


Join us this year, February 26th through March 2nd, for our various delicacies, performances, workshops and good times!

For any questions or inquires, contact the ISLC: islcgov@lclark.edu
ISLC Vice President Kenan Imamovic: imamovick@lclark.edu