International Fair savors, celebrates cultures of the world

Food, entertainment and cultural experiences from around the world will come together in North Manchester on Sunday, April 10, when Manchester University offers its International Fair.

“Here in Indiana, here in the United States, we’re becoming increasingly multicultural and globalized. We need to have a better understanding of what life is outside of our immediate surroundings,” said Michael Dixon, director of Intercultural Services and chair of the event.

The fair will take place from noon to 4 p.m. in the Physical Education and Recreation Center on the North Manchester campus. Admittance is free. Tickets that can be traded in for food items may be purchased inside the PERC.  

This biennial tradition began in 1993 as part of International Education Week and has continued on as a celebration of diversity in the Manchester University community.

Salwa Nubani, assistant to the director of Intercultural Services, describes the International Fair as, “International students – or students who have traveled abroad and experienced food from different countries – coming together and making recipes for people.”

The food offerings take three days to prepare and represent a variety of flavors, including those from Ethiopia, Nigeria and Palestine, she said. Vegetarian and vegan options will be available. 

The lively event also showcases international entertainment, including dancers, bands and activities for children.

Eight hundred to 1,000 people are expected to attend.

Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers more than 60 areas of undergraduate study, two master's programs (athletic training and pharmacogenomics) and a professional doctorate in pharmacy to 1,500 students from 25 states and 17 countries.

Prepared with assistance by student Sarah Farnam, MU strategic communications assistant.

March 16, 2016