International Festival celebrates Naperville's diverse cultures
Enjoy multicultural performances and sample cuisine from around the world next month at North Central College's family-friendly International Festival.
Hosted by the college's Office of International Programs, the 19th annual International Festival celebrates Naperville's diversity and offers opportunities for all community members to explore other cultures through educational exhibits, language immersion rooms, multicultural performances, and concessions selling international cuisine.
The festival runs noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, in the college's Gregory Arena at Merner Field House, 450 S. Brainard St., Naperville. Tickets are $6 at the door or $5 in advance by visiting the college's Office of International Programs, 48 E. Jefferson Ave., Naperville.
Raffle tickets may be purchased for $1 per ticket or $5 for six tickets. All proceeds will benefit the International Scholarship Fund to support international students coming to North Central College and North Central students who study abroad.
The doors open at 11:45 a.m. for the opening international flag ceremony with North Central College President Troy D. Hammond and Naperville Mayor A. George Pradel. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago will serve as honor guards.
On the center stage, attendees can enjoy 14 performance and dance groups representing Ireland, Europe, Russia, Asia and the Philippines. Martial arts and local gymnastics troops also will perform.
Children attending the festival will be given passports, gaining them entrance to each interactive booth and an opportunity to win a prize.
To promote experiential learning, the booths provide a multicultural experience by organizations that promote foreign language, environmental mindfulness, and Asian, European and Hispanic cultures. Several North Central College groups also will have exhibits.
Thirty-minute immersion room sessions will be conducted in Chinese, German, Japanese, Greek, Russian and Spanish cultures and languages. Teachers, native speakers and students will lead each experience. Advance registration is encouraged; call (630) 637-5132.
Food from an international menu, prepared by Chef by Request, will be for sale. Canned food items also will be collected and given to Loaves and Fishes Community Services. Some 15 boxes of food were collected last year.
For information, contact Rebecca Pugh at rjpugh@noctrl.edu or (630) 637-5132.
If you go
What: International Festival
When: noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8
Where: Gregory Arena at North Central College's Merner Field House, 450 S. Brainard St., Naperville
Cost: $5 at door, $6 in advance
Info: (630) 637-5732 or njpugh@noctrl.edu