10th annual CultureFest to bring food, music to freshmen

CultureFest was created to foster a sense of diversity at IU, and 10 years later the tradition attracts about 4,000 students.

CultureFest will boast two stages for performances, multiple food vendors and renowned speaker Marcus Engel.

It started as a joint effort between what used to be the Office of Orientation Programs and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

“We wanted an event that had a kind of flavor of education and celebration,” said Melanie Payne, director of Summer Orientation and Welcome Week. “It is a celebration of the diversity of IU.”

The purpose of the event is to represent the diversity on campus by bringing all the different culture centers and groups together, said Sandra Britton, director of the Leo R. Dowling International Center.

There will be separate booths for each of the culture centers.

“Absorb the message that there is a diverse population on campus,” Britton said. “Stay until the end, because there is so much to do. It’s one more additional thing for freshmen to do and the message gets lost, but this event has a deeper meaning.”

Don’t leave CultureFest without...

Melanie Payne, director of New Student Orientation, gives the top 5 things to do at CultureFest:

1. Hearing the speaker. This year’s speaker is Marcus Engel. Years ago, Engel was the victim of a drunk driving accident, which left him blind. “The accident changed his perception and his world,” Payne said. As an author and professional speaker, Engel is teaching and sharing the lessons he’s learned.

2. Meeting someone who is different from you. “Freshmen should come with the mindset not just to be entertained,” Payne said. “It’s their first full day here. Meet and talk to people you’ve never met before. Be OK with interacting.”

3. Tasting ethnic foods. Try one type of food you’ve never had before, Payne said. A variety of ethnic and American foods are served. The servings are meant to be sample sizes, she said.

4. Listening and watching the outdoor performances. Some well-known performers include IU Soul Revue, a funk ensemble, Straight No Chaser and South Jordan, a pop-rock band. Other performances range from break dancing to Middle Eastern dance.

5. Caricatures and Henna tattoos.  Stop by for free Henna tattoos and caricatures throughout the evening. Henna tattoos are temporary and come in various designs.