Contact: Kenneth Billings
Photo by: Russ Houston
STARKVILLE, Miss.--More than 70 nations will be represented March 27 when Mississippi State welcomes the community's 20th annual International Fiesta.
The free cultural extravaganza takes place 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the Drill Field with a presentation of international flags. In case of inclement weather, all activities will take place under the eastside stands of Davis Wade Stadium.
The Starkville World Neighbors Association sponsors the event, with support from the university's Richard Holmes Cultural Diversity Center and international education academic.
"The International Fiesta brings different pieces of many different countries to campus and gives us an opportunity to understand and appreciate the cultures represented at Mississippi State," said Shaz Akram, the Holmes Center's assistant director.
Following presentation of the flags, the schedule includes:
--Crowning of Mr. and Miss International Fiesta 2010,
--An international fashion show,
--Musical and dance performances, and
--Arts and crafts exhibits, costume displays, international cooking contest, and other events.
Several children-oriented booths will require the purchase of 25-cent tickets or a book of five tickets for $1. These include a caricature artist, piñata contest, face painting, and a moonwalk.
Other event co-sponsors include the Starkville Chapter of Kiwanis International; and MSU's offices of the Graduate School, the Provost, Admissions and Scholarships, and International Business; Campus Activities Board; recreational sports department; Student Association; and Graduate Studies in Business and Distance MBA academic programs.
For more about International Fiesta, telephone Akram at 662-325-2033.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.