UW-Parkside celebrates the world at Worldfest 2012

Worldfest 2012 March 26-30

By Kelsey Hoff

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside, already the most diverse campus in the University of Wisconsin System, becomes another world March 26-30. Student Activities presents Worldfest 2012, featuring nearly a dozen events. Students are encouraged to get involved, either by carrying a flag in the opening ceremony, attending an event, or by helping out. This is one of UW-Parkside's many opportunities for cultural awareness and interaction for everyone on campus and in the community.

The festivities kick off with a flag ceremony, featuring the Aztec fire dancing group Omeyocan. The ceremony spans the campus starting in the Student Center and ending at Main Place, and each flag is carried by a UW-Parkside student.

Other opening day activities are the lecture "Weddings Around the World" which showcases marriage traditions from the Italian, Hmong, Ethiopian, and other cultures and a showing of the Marx Brothers classic comedy "Duck Soup" showing March 26, with a discussion panel afterwards.

March 27, History Professor Jeffrey Alexander leads a discussion about the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Professor Alexander is an expert on Japanese history and has lived there; he has also written a book about the Japanese motorcycle industry and has one in the works about Japanese beer.

The World Bazaar takes over Main Place March 28. Goods from different countries will be for sale and UW-Parkside student Mila Dechant gives a belly dancing performance and workshop. The same day, the anime movie "Howl's Moving Castle" is shown in the Student Center Cinema. A young girl is cursed into an old woman's body by a witch, who seeks help from a magician living in a house that can walk.

Economics Professor Farida Khan, who has done extensive research on Bangladesh, lectures on "Urbanization in Developing Countries" March 29.

March 30 Worldfest events begin with Communication Professor Fay Akindes's presentation about nonverbal communication across the world. This is followed by the final and most popular festival event each year: the World Cuisine Dinner. The main event showcases the rich global culture and talent of the campus and community.

During the World Cuisine Dinner, enjoy performances by the Extra Crispy Brass Band, the Garlic Mustard Pickers, the Mahone Middle School Bonsai Society, Tarantella Dance, and Greek Dance. Then there's the student performances: Chaos Dance Club, UW-Parkside Gospel Choir, an international fashion show, and more will represent UW-Parkside's cultural background. This event, which brings students and staff together with the community, is the perfect way to end one of the biggest and most popular events on the university calendar. Watch Ranger Today for ticket information.

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ABOUT THIS STORY:

Story Status: Archived
Publish date: 3/9/2012

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