Ferris State University's Office of International Education will host the International
Festival of Cultures on Sunday, April 23, from 1 to 5 p.m. in the David L. Eisler
Center ballrooms. This file photo shows a past edition of the festival.
Ferris State University’s Office of International Education credits student initiative and campus collaboration as the impetus for resuming its International Festival of Cultures, set for Sunday, April 23, from 1 to 5 p.m. in the David L. Eisler Center ballrooms.
Office of International education staff member Jacob Van Laar has taken over managing the festival. He said people who have attended previously savor various tastes from countries across the globe.
“Our committee is collaborating with Ferris Dining Services to bring on 20 to 25 international food items which can still be had for just 50 cents a sample,” Van Laar said. “There will be displays highlighting each country near those stations, and we believe the visuals and information just enhance our guests’ enjoyment as they travel across the room.”
Organizers canceled the festival in 2020 because of COVID-19 and offered virtually the following year. Van Laar is excited for the event’s return in 2023.
“We will have singers, dancers and other performances for the audience to enjoy, including spoken word presentations,” Van Laar said. “Many of our talented students are bringing forward traditions learned through generations of their families. This enriches the experience for everyone involved. We will also have a henna artist to offer their skills to visitors, along with other games and activities.”
Van Laar noted diversity as an important aspect of the festival that resonates with attendees.
“The event has always been a favorite, very sought after in and around the Ferris and greater university community,” Van Laar said. “We invite everyone to get a passport as they arrive and mark the stations they pass by and interact with during the festival. We are also reaching out to local school districts to be sure they know the festival is back after being idled due to restrictions necessary because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Those with questions about accommodations and other details related to the International Festival of Cultures can contact the Office of International Education by email or phone at the International Office of Education at (231) 591-2450.