Contact: Sammy McDavid
.--For the first time in its eight-year existence, Starkville's International Fiesta will be held on the Mississippi State University campus.
Taking place April 25 in conjunction with the annual Super Bulldog Weekend activities, the 10 a.m.-2 p.m. public program will be presented on the Drill Field, adjacent to the Colvard Union. Ceremonies include an opening parade featuring more than 100 international flags, followed by welcoming remarks from Starkville Mayor Mack Rutledge and MSU President Malcolm Portera.
At 11, groups and individuals will present a series of cultural and musical programs. Simultaneously, various international exhibits and food sales will be available.
Other events include games for children, as well as informational displays by the Starkville Fire and Police departments, MSU Police Department, and the Oktibbeha County Hospital.
"We are especially happy to be associated with Super Bulldog Weekend," said Kaye Pasley of Starkville, president of the sponsoring World Neighbors Association. "We have a wonderful opportunity to serve in an outreach role to bring together Starkville and Oktibbeha County residents, the MSU family and our visiting alumni and friends."
Pasley said the local international community numbers more than 700.
In addition to World Neighbors, other event sponsors include the Starkville Visitors and Convention Bureau and Mississippi State's University Honors Program, Office of International Programs and International Student Services, as well as the colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business and Industry, and Engineering.
The first international fiesta was held in downtown Starkville in 1991. Among others, MSU biological science professor Armando de la Cruz and his wife Ruth, both natives of the Philippines, founded the celebration.
To participate in or receive more information on the 1998 events, telephone Pasley at (601) 323-3218 or Ruth de la Cruz at 324-1424.