The 20th Annual “Around the World, Around the Corner International Festival” is set from noon to 4PM on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at Merner Field House. This year’s event promises opportunities for families to become acquainted with valentines around the world as they explore the diverse cultures celebrated in communities locally and internationally.
According to Rebecca Pugh, the Chinese Lion Dance will return by popular demand to help commemorate the Chinese New Year.
The opening ceremony will feature the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of Naperville and a welcome by North Central College President Troy Hammond, Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico and Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11).
The day features performances by various international groups, language immersion rooms, refreshments and dozens of exhibits.Vendor booths also are available.
What’s new for 2016?
First-time performers this year include Kindergruppe from the American Aid Society of German Descendants, a Japanese dancing group Miko Ren, Awa Odori, and a dragon dance group performed by the Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors.
North Central welcomes back the Indian dancers Nartan, Knights of Lithuania Dancers, flamenco performers, Weber and McNulty Irish dance groups, Mala Wisla Polish folk dancers and more.
Some 20 exhibits or booths will populate the arena and engage visitors in creating Mexican and Japanese crafts and Chinese paper-folding and cutting; and learning about Hispanic and Latin American culture, and responsible saving and spending. Others offer opportunities to purchase origami jewelry, gifts for Valentine’s Day, jewelry made by women at risk and more.
Meanwhile, save the date to enjoy an afternoon of international culture on Feb. 14, 2016, when dancing youngsters attired in colorful costumes will warm your heart while helping to tell the world’s story.
The floor stage will be surrounded with dozens of exhibitions and joyful sounds, directions to always popular the language immersion rooms. This year, visitors can sign up for German, Spanish, Japanese and Arabic languages. Teachers, native speakers and students will lead each experience. Advance registration for the 30-minute language rooms is encouraged; call (630) 637-5132.
In addition, flavors of the world will be featured with international cuisine prepared by Belgio’s Catering and available for purchase.
Global education recognized
This annual festival exemplifies one of many programs that resulted in North Central receiving the prestigious 2015 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization. This national honor recognizes North Central’s extensive offerings in study abroad, academics, cocurricular clubs and other programs that support global education.
Tickets are $6 each at the door. A collection of canned goods for local food pantries also welcomes support from patrons.
Merner Fieldhouse is located at 450 S. Brainard, just south of Chicago Avenue.
Proceeds benefit the International Scholarship fund to support international students coming to North Central College and North Central students who study abroad.
For more information contact Rebecca Pugh at (630) 637-5132 or rjpugh@noctrl.edu.
A few file photos from 2014 and previous International Festivals
North Central College’s Office of International Programs hosts its annual International Festival, a celebration of Naperville’s cultural diversity, on the second Sunday in February. Community members of all ages are invited to attend in North Central’s Gregory Arena at Merner Field House, 450 S. Brainard St.
Above / Young performers joined 13 other dance troupes in celebration of a colorful world of different cultures. (PN File Photo)
Above / Through folk songs and lively dancing, the Knights of Lithuania Dancers displayed a sample of their heritage. (PN File Photo)
Above / Community groups sponsor informational and interactive booths to showcase their community spirit, sometimes with flamenco dance and Spanish accents. (PN File Photo)
Thanks for supporting the arts!
This community event is one of many ongoing programs at North Central College to enrich and broaden the cultural and academic outlook for the College and community. For a comprehensive schedule of musical performances, theatrical productions, art exhibits and lectures, visit northcentralcollege.edu/show or call the box office at 630-637-SHOW (7469).
