February 07, 2014

International Festival opens Feb. 10

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill.  -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale will celebrate the diversity, inclusiveness and cultures represented at SIU and in the region during International Festival 2014 next week.  

The festivities take place Monday, Feb. 10, through Friday, Feb. 14.  The theme for the 52nd annual celebration is “Building Bridges Across Cultures.”  

The activities begin with the International Festival Proclamation and University Welcome at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Student Center International Lounge.  A colorful staple of the festival, the International Parade of Flags, is cancelled this year due to the adverse weather forecast and conditions.  

The ever-popular International Food Fair is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the Student Center ballrooms.  Students from around the world will be preparing cuisine authentic to their homelands.  About a dozen different countries will be represented at the booths, allowing visitors to sample all sorts of appetizers, desserts, sides and main dishes. 

Tickets are 50 cents each and individual food items typically cost one to six tickets.  Some booths will offer full-meal deals for additional tickets.  

Tickets for the food fair are available at the Student Center Business Office weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Tuesday, Feb. 11, or at a table near the north escalators between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Feb. 10-11.  You may also purchase tickets at the door the day of the food fair from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

The campus community and public are welcome to attend. 

The festival wraps up with the Cultural Show at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, in the Student Center Ballrooms.  Using song, dance, martial arts, pantomime, mini-plays and choreographed activities, students will give audience members the opportunity to experience the cultures of various native lands.  The show is free and everyone is welcome.  

The sponsors for International Festival 2014 include the International Student Council, the Center for International Education and the Student Center.  For more information, visit www.internationalfestival.rso.siu.edu or call Student Center Special Programs at 618/453-3438.