North Central fest offers taste of different cultures
It#146;s the first word many may learn in other languages at North Central College#146;s 16th annual international festival, which includes language immersion rooms.
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It#146;s what people want when they experience ethnic food, music and performances.
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It#146;s the additional fun people experience year after year.
The school#146;s Around the Corner, Around the World International Festival begins with an international flag ceremony at 11:45 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, and an opening welcome by Naperville Mayor George Pradel and North Central College President Harold R. Wilde.
The festival runs noon to 4 p.m. in Merner Field House, 450 S. Brainard St., Naperville.
Along with #147;more,#148; attendees of the festival#146;s language immersion classes likely will learn #147;please,#148; #147;thank you,#148; #147;I like that#148; and #147;I want to do that#148; through play-based activities in their immersion room of choice.
One thing they won#146;t speak during that half-hour is English.
#147;The most remarkable thing is how quickly children start trying to use the new language,#148; said Oscar Ramirez, center director of the Naperville Language Stars, whose instructors will teach Italian and Spanish at the fest. #147;Adults need specific grammar instruction and children learn intuitively.#148;
Language choices include French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Italian, Spanish and Thai.
#147;A lot of times, I think in this country we don#146;t do a good job of learning another language,#148; said Bessma Shammas, organizer of the international festival and office manager of North Central#146;s Office of International Programs.
#147;(Parents may think) I#146;ll have my child see if they like these 30 minutes. Maybe someone#146;s taste buds will get tickled.#148; Advance registration for the language rooms is required. Contact Shammas at (630) 637-5132 or bkshammas@noctrl.edu. Performances throughout the day range from dancing and vocals to martial arts. #147;It#146;s a little bit of everything,#148; Shammas said. #147;All of the performers are in authentic costumes from their home country.#148;
The afternoon includes performances by several international groups, including the Nartan Indian Academy of Dance, McNulty Irish Dancers, Weber School of Irish Dance, Ray Chinese School, flamenco dancers, Sokol gymnastics, Apollo Dance Troupe, Elite Marshall Arts and Glen Ellyn Aikido Club. New performances this year include Russian dancers, Knights of Lithuania dancers, Philippine American Cultural Foundation Performing Arts and SoulConnection, a youth chapter of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Children may receive a play passport to have stamped at the various exhibits and booths.
Activities for children and booths to promote cultural awareness will be led by several North Central student organizations, including German Club, Japan Club, Fusion Espanola, Students In Free Enterprise and the Office of International Programs.
Catered food by Belgio#146;s in Naperville will be for sale for $2 to $5.50.
A raffle offers prizes of gift certificates for dining in downtown Naperville. Raffle tickets are $1 each or $5 for six tickets.
Proceeds from the raffle and the cost of admission support the college#146;s scholarships for international study.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a canned food item to benefit the Fishes and Loaves Community Pantry.
The festival is co-sponsored by the college#146;s Office of International Programs, the Rotary Club of Naperville and Positively Naperville.
Admission is $6, free for visitors 3 and younger.
For details, visit northcentralcollege.edu/show or call (630) 637-5132.
If you go
If you go
What: Around the Corner, Around the World International Festival
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12
Where: North Centrals Merner Field House, 450 S. Brainard St., Naperville
Cost: $6, free for ages 3
Info: (630) 637-5132 or northcentralcollege.edu/show