International Fest gives visitors insight into different cultures
Through thick and thin, Jack Schindler always stood behind the annual International Festival at North Central College.
The fest, which returns to the Naperville college from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, began 14 years ago as a joint event with the area YMCA. But when the organization pulled out during the fest's early years, Schindler, who heads North Central's international programs, knew he had to find a way to keep the event going.
"I still believed in the original idea, which is to uncover the cultural diversity that people seem to be unaware of in the area," he said. "I knew it was a community outreach that I really believed in and today that diversity has only grown."
Sunday marks the event's 14th year and visitors can sample authentic international cuisine, watch ethnic dancing to live music and participate in games and crafts from around the world at North Central's Merner Field House.
The celebration attracts roughly 1,000 people and proceeds from the $5 admission fee help fund scholarships for North Central students to study abroad, or for international students to come to the Naperville campus.
Naperville Mayor George Pradel will open the festival, which includes performances by international groups such as the Nartan Indian Dance Group, Wisla Polish Dancers, McNulty Irish Dancers, Weber Irish Dancers, Aikido Club, Ray Chinese School, a Flamenco dancer, an Egyptian dancer, the acrobatic World Performance Team, and an International Club fashion show. The Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana and Boy Scout Troop No. 8 also will perform an international flag ceremony.
Several activities are designed to create an interactive experience for visitors. At booths, community organizations and North Central student groups will teach visitors about cultures from around the world. Participating groups include 10,000 Villages, Language Stars, Aikido Club of Glen Ellyn, Ray Chinese School, McNulty Irish Club and student organizations such as Fusion Española, Asian Student Konnection, German Club and several others.
The most popular feature each year, Schindler said, involves the immersion rooms that allow participants to feel as if they have stepped into another country. People can experience French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Italian and Spanish languages and cultures with teachers who are native speakers and North Central students fluent in the language.
Schindler said no prior linguistic knowledge is required - just curiosity.
"It's meant to be fun, and we incorporate games, skits and songs and aim to simulate the feeling of going to another culture where you must listen and try to learn what's going on," he said.
Advance registration for the language rooms is encouraged by calling (630) 637-5132.
In addition, this will be the second year the festival sponsors a shoe drive to benefit Share Your Soles. All attendees are encouraged to bring their slightly used shoes to benefit the nonprofit organization, which provides gently worn shoes to those in greatest need around the world. For information, visit shareyoursoles.org.
If you goWhat: North Central College's 14th International FestivalWhen: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14Where: North Central's Merner Field House, 450 S. Brainard St., NapervilleCost: $5; free for children 3 and youngerInfo: (630) 637-5132True17961564The Nartan Indian Dance Group returns Sunday to North Central College's 14th annual International Festival, which features ethnic performances, foods and demonstrations from around the world.Bev Horne | Staff Photographer, 2005True