World’s Fare generates culture diversity

Twenty-one international student organizations joined in the fourth annual IU World’s Fare on Thursday.

The event — cosponsored by Office of International Services and the Union Board — showcased distinctive cultural displays, performances and food in Alumni Hall of the Indiana Memorial Union.

The celebration was also in coordination with the U.S. Department of State and Education’s International Education Week.

“Food is my favorite part,” junior Kenny Phillips said of the event. “Though I like everything here, I’d say I enjoyed the Australian meat pie most.”

Phillips was among about 2,000 people at this year’s event.

Eric Love, director of the Office of Diversity Education, also agreed with Philips — his favorite dish, he said, was the meat pie.

Love, who has attended past Fares, said the event is always a great opportunity for students to find out what to appreciate in terms of culture.

“We do have diversity at IU, but I don’t think we have taken great advantage of it,” Love said. “By having this event, people can learn about different cultures at IU. It’s always packed. It’s fantastic.”

James Hu, vice president of IU’s Taiwanese Student Association, said during the Fare he hoped he could share the message of the Lantern Festival — a traditional holiday in the Chinese community that celebrates family reunion.

“We want people to write down their names on the lantern we have here and enjoy our cultural message,” Hu said at his booth in Alumni Hall.

Hu said by writing their names on a lantern made during the event, students and attendees helped create a harmonious atmosphere.

Courtney Shoemaker, director of International and Cultural Events for the Union Board, said the Union has always been encouraging cultural messages.

“We have been preparing the event since February, and we just want to create more culture awareness and make it a symbol on campus,” Shoemaker said.

— Kevin Wang