Cleveland State Community College will be hosting the 7th annual Multicultural Fair on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. in the L. Quentin Lane Gymnasium. There will be an African Traditional Dress Fashion Show and Native Tongues Welcome during the Opening Ceremony at 10 a.m. with a Parade of Nations beginning at 9:45 a.m. The fair is designed to celebrate different cultures living in Bradley County. Admission to the fair is free and the community is invited to attend this event.
“The Multicultural Fair has been a very successful spring event at Cleveland State for the past few years, and we hope this year will be even more successful, stated Jana Pankey, assistant professor of the Human Services/Social Work program and project director. “Cleveland is becoming more diverse, and this is a great way to learn about different cultures and celebrate diversity.”
The fair will feature a parade of nations, culturally based entertainment, and diverse food catered from Food Is Good of Cleveland, international studies information, booths featuring different nationalities, children’s games and activities, various civic and social service organization displays, and performances by Mawre and Company African Dance and Drum Troupe, St. Therese Spanish Youth Dancers, Cleveland State Chorus and Vocal Rhapsody.
Tracey Wright, director of Special Programs and Community Relations, said, “The Multicultural Fair provides information about a number of cultures in a fun and festive environment. One can’t help but learn something by attending this event.”
Back by popular demand will be the Amateur Cultural Photography Contest. This contest is open to students, members of the community, youth, faculty and staff. Each contestant can submit up to three photographs, one per category. There are five categories: The Americana Experience, Natural Beauty, Impressions from Abroad, Manmade Beauty and Hope for the Future. The entry deadline is Friday, March 28, and the top 25 entries will be displayed at the CSCC Multicultural Fair on April 5 for judging by fair attendees. For a complete list of contest rules or to view submissions online, visit csccphoto.wordpress.com.
“Last year’s photography contest had an amazing turnout and we were really impressed by everyone’s artistic interpretations of culture,” stated Becca Tedesco, library assistant. “This year, we’ve modified a few things, including the addition of an online submission site and a preliminary judging round, so that the process is more streamlined. All of the photo submissions will be added to a slideshow to be played throughout the duration of the fair, and the top 25 will be displayed so that anyone who attends will be able to vote for their favorites.”
For more information on the upcoming CSCC Multicultural Fair, contact Ms. Wright at 473-2341 or email her at events@clevelandstatecc.edu.