Multicultural Fest returns for fifth year at Cottey

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Cottey College will host its 5th Annual Multicultural Festival, Food Festival, and International Bazaar Sunday, Nov. 2, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The festival is created by Cottey College faculty, students, and staff as a way to highlight world cultures and to strengthen the connection between the Cottey College and Nevada, Mo., communities.

In addition to the invitation to sample and eat a wide variety of food at the festival, attendees will have the opportunity to speak with students staffing informational displays about regions of the world, watch a fashion show of traditional international clothing, and be entertained by performances of dance and music from around the world. Members of a number of student organizations, including International Friendship Circle and Global Citizens, are actively participating in the event, as are students in a number of courses.

For example, students in anthropology's new Food and Culture class have solicited and compiled recipes from around the world and recruited several volunteer cooks to prepare dishes for this large event.

Students in the International Relations course are currently busy with an assignment to develop informational posters designed to educate people about regions of the world, including the United States.

This year the festival is being coordinated by seven members of the Cottey College faculty and staff: Professor Paula Chelminska, Jennifer Cornwell, Dr. Jorge Dioses, Dr. Ganga Fernando, Dr. Sarah Quick, Dr. Brenda Ross, and Dr. Kanji Watanabe, with support from Cottey College's Food Service and Physical Plant departments.

Wood's Supermarket and 3M have once again offered financial support for the festival, which has helped support the offering of complementary festival tickets to10 community organizations, including the Nevada Housing Authority, Moss House, Community Outreach, and Heartland Behavioral Health Services.

Proceeds from the festival and the international bazaar go to the Friends of Peace Scholarship and other initiatives to benefit the world's women and children.

Based on feedback from previous years, the location of the event will return to Hinkhouse Gymnasium, located one block south of Austin Boulevard on the west side of the street.

Parking is located in the parking lot west of the building, which can be accessed via Tower Street.

There is no charge to enter the festival and enjoy the performances and the displays.

There is a cost to eat at the festival. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

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