February 09, 2005

Ethnic fest features flavors from around the world

by Bonnie Marx

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- International Festival 2005, a celebration of cultural diversity, kicks off at Southern Illinois University Carbondale with the theme of "Sculpting Your World."

Events begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, with a festival proclamation in the Student Center's John W. Corker Lounge. At 11:15 a.m., the food fair takes center stage in the Student Center ballrooms. Meal tickets will be available at the door. Wednesday events wrap up with a free showing of "Ashoka," a film from India.

The International Buffet on Friday, Feb. 18, will feature tasty concoctions from around the world from 5 to 7 p.m. in the SIUC Student Center Renaissance Room. The meal features several entrees, including Mexican orange pineapple chicken, fresh crab pad Thai with Thai fish sauce, Sri Lankan deviled beef ribs and tarragon baked fish. The buffet includes soups, salads and desserts

Dinner tickets purchased in advanced are $9.25 for SIUC students, seniors and children 5 and older and will be $10.25 for the general public. Tickets purchased the day of the event are $10.50 and $11.50. Children ages 4 and under are admitted free. Purchase tickets in advance at the Central Ticket Office located on the second floor of the Student Center or by call 618/453-3478.

To close the Friday events, there will be an International Programs & Services reception in the John W. Corker Lounge, beginning at 6 p.m. The grand finale, a cultural show, begins at 7 p.m. in the Student Center ballrooms.

Student Center Special Programs and Center Events and the International Student Council sponsor the International Festival.