BIG RAPIDS — Ferris State University will host the 36th International Festival of Cultures from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, in the David L. Eisler Center ballrooms, 805 Campus Drive.
The event will feature cuisine, demonstrations and other activities under this year’s Global Market theme.
Food tickets are encouraged to be purchased before the event date. Tickets cost 50 cents for Ferris students and $1 for other attendees and will be available individually or in books of five, 10 and 20.
Dr. Tara Braun, executive director of the Office of International Education, said the festival has been a longstanding campus event.
“The festival is in its 36th year and has been a long standing, exciting and diverse event on campus. It highlights the diversity on campus and provides an opportunity to learn more about the world through performances, demonstrations, games, and international cuisine,” Braun said.
Braun said the Office of International Education decided to make the festival part of the Big Rapids Festival of Arts as part of an effort to expand outreach. She said students coordinate a unique theme each year.
This year’s Global Market theme will include textiles and clothing displayed from around the world, along with other offerings seen in past years, according to the release.
“This event focuses on the diversity on campus but also in the greater community, including off campus. It brings together students, faculty, staff, and volunteers from the community,” Braun said. “It also focuses on and demonstrates the uniqueness of each of our cultures but also how we are one world (greater community). All volunteers come together to work on preparing the food, serving the food, and assisting throughout the event.”
Other activities will include an interactive geography game, international games and henna tattoos. Community members Chris Jane and Voca Lyrica are expected to perform drumming and singing acts.
Braun said she looks forward to cooking and preparing food with students but appreciates the experience for attendees.
“It is a fun time, and students are excited to show the dining staff and volunteers how to make food from their countries. I also enjoy the students’ faces when we first open the doors and they see how many people have arrived to learn from them. They are exhausted at the end of the event but really enjoy every hour of sharing their culture,” she said.
Those requiring accommodation should contact the Office of International Education at (231) 591-2450 or by email.