by Cheryl Smithem

On Thursday, March 28, 2013 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. College of Charleston students, faculty and staff will be able to travel the world – all without leaving campus – when the 2013 World Cultures Fair takes place. The event, which includes international food, music and dancing, takes place in the Stern Center Garden. In case of rain, the event will be held in the Stern Center Ballroom. The free event is open to the public.

The fair’s aim is to bring various cultures and traditions from around the world to the Charleston community. World Cultures Fair PosterAccording to the Fair’s organizer, Professor Elizabeth A. Martínez-Gibson, it is “An event for everyone. Each year we include more and more clubs and organizations, which make for a bigger and better fair.”

Now in it’s the fifth year, the event will showcase international cultures with 40 stations displaying crafts, foods and information about many cultures and programs at the College. Attendees will be entertained by local, student, and faculty musicians and performers. Performance events and demonstrations from many cultures will be given. Featured will be, martial arts, Chinese Lion Dance, Capoeira, belly dancing, Indian dances, African dancers, Gullah poetry and a basket weaving demonstration and Zumba. A student talent show will be held as well. Additionally, there will be a food contest to select the best international food item.

The day of the fair, March 28 to show support, the College community is invited to wear traditional dress to represent different cultures.

Fair sponsors are: the School of Languages, Cultures and World Affairs, the Cougar Activities Board, the Student Government Association, the Office of Institutional Diversity, Department of International and Intercultural Studies, Multicultural Student Programs and Services, Global Business Resource Center, Avery Research Center of African American History and Culture.