IU World’s Fare exposes attendees to many cultures

It was a shot of cultural adrenaline. A taste of international identity. A sampling of more countries than you can shake a maraca at.

It was the 2008 IU World’s Fare, and it attracted students of all nationalities and backgrounds. Within minutes, the place was packed.

“It’s very crowded and loud,” said freshman Andrew Besemer. “But it’s also very neat.”

Booths from 22 different international groups were set up throughout the Indiana Memorial Union’s Alumni Hall, but this wasn’t a bland information session. These groups had activities, giveaways and the quintessential item for attracting the college crowd: food.

With a valid student ID, students were able to sample eight different dishes from the various booths. While many students showed up for the free dishes, most tried at least something new.

“I’ve tried a lot of the different food, and I’ve liked it all,” said freshman Emily McGillem, who originally came to watch the dancing, but eventually gravitated toward the cuisine.
Food aside, the fare also boasted performances from eight different international groups. The performances were kicked off by Bembe, an Afro-Puerto Rican drum and dance group.

Ken O’Donnell, a first-year graduate student, thinks music is one of the most important aspects of cultural education.

“You can only get so much from a poster or from tasting the food,” he said. “A big part of culture and a big part of national identity is the music.”

O’Donnell was a student worker at the Beloit College Intercultural Center during his undergraduate years but said he never experienced a multicultural event of this size and scope.

“It’s more than I expected,” O’Donnell said. “From what I can see, everyone is really interested in the booths and having fun.”

While the sonic atmosphere created by the various international bands and groups was perfect for creating a multicultural vibe, so was the visual aspect.

Participants from most groups were dressed in the traditional or classic attire of their respective countries. To look around and see the array of colors and patterns created by this melting pot of international fashion was an educational experience.

Spectators were encouraged to do more than just watch, however. During the opening performance by Bembe, one of the dancers made this clear.

“This music is meant to be danced to!” he said.

The event kicks off International Education Week, a worldwide celebration that emphasizes the importance of international study and cross-cultural education.

Besemer thought this was a fitting way to introduce such an important week.

“It’s some pretty cool culture,” he said. “If it still exists, I’ll come next year.”