UAFS expands international festival
by March 16, 2009 9:53 am 91 views
The number of countries represented at the international festival sponsored by the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith will expand from 13 in 2008 to 24 in 2009, according to a UAFS statement.
With more exhibitors, the festival will move to the Stubblefield Center, where the “International Festival 2009: A Walk through Our World,” will be held 6 to 9 p.m., on April 14.
“The growth of the festival is a natural reflection of UA Fort Smith’s involvement in international education,” said Takeo Suzuki, executive director of international relations at UAFS. “We are seeking ways to broaden international perspectives for our students and for the community. Doubling the size of the festival is an example of how we are reaching out to do that."
The countries featured include Mexico, South Korea, Nepal, Bulgaria, New Zealand, China, Brazil, Laos/Hmong, England, Thailand, Sweden, El Salvador, Ireland, Croatia, Japan, India, Cuba, Uganda, Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Vietnam, United States, Estonia and Puerto Rico.
Performers include Dragon Dancers, Fort Smith Suzuki Students, Irish Dancers, UAFS Hmong Dancers, UAFS Brass Band, Folklorico Dancers, flamenco dancers, and the Don Bailey Jazz Combo.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and are available in advance at the UAFS Box Office, located in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center. Cash and checks are accepted for payment. Tickets will also be available at the door on the night of the event.
Attendees also will receive a passport for the event, with stamps collected from "visiting" each country. The first 100 to collect all of the stamps will be given a festival T-Shirt.