Western Carolina University will have its 37th annual International Festival on Wednesday, April 13, from 11 – 2:30 p.m. on the University Center lawn.
WCU’s 37th annual International Festival will be held on April 13. Photo from WCU Office of International programs and services.
WCU’s Office of International Programs and Services is hosting the event. The festival is a celebration of the diverse cultures and traditions of WCU’s international student population. Its purpose is to share awareness of the different cultures and countries around the world using food, music, dance and art.
The beginning of the festival will include a world flag parade from the Camp building to the UC lawn. Brandon Schwab, associate provost for academic affairs, and Ling LeBeau, director of international programs and services, will welcome everyone at 11:15 a.m.
Kaitlin Ritchie, assistant director of International Students and Scholar Services, said that faculty and students will provide entertainment and various food sampling during the festival. Performances will start with Whimzik providing Celtic, New Zealand and Scandinavian music at 11:30 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m. with Latin Dance from the Latino Appreciation Student Organization.
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Other performances include Japanese Bon Odori folk dance, Sri Lankan and northern Indian music and a traditional Saudi dance.
There will be food and craft vendors, campus organizations and international students. There will also be food samples given out and other booths that will give out information about WCU’s Study Abroad and Intensive English programs.
“The expectation is that about 300 people attend and for people to enjoy and take time to learn about the community culture,” said Ritchie.
