Admission to the festival is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to purchase international food samples from local vendors during the event. Participating restaurants include Chateau D’Italia, Chipotle Mexican Grill, El Ranchito, Grano, Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse, Kustom Kremes, Marshall Dining by Sodexo, Nawab Indian Cuisine, New China Garden Buffet and Pho U & Mi.
The festival is West Virginia’s largest and longest-running international festival, featuring international foods, world music, dance and displays representing many countries and cultures.
“Due to the immense success of our 54th International Festival relocation, we are thrilled to be on campus once again to bring students together from different lifestyles, cultures and backgrounds. This will provide valuable knowledge for our ever globalizing world,” said Jyotsna Patel, event coordinator and administrator for the Center for International Programs at Marshall.
Children attending the event will have the opportunity to have a “passport” filled in as they travel to various student booths representing more than 20 different countries. Face painting, cotton candy, popcorn, a photo booth, games, crafts and more will also be available throughout the event, including a special appearance by Marshall University’s Marco. This year the physics department will have a demonstration table and hands-on activities.
Live entertainment will feature Voodoo Katz of Charleston, West Virginia, a six-man band known for their core Caribbean and African numbers, as well as various performances by Marshall University international students.
A silent auction will be held, and raffle tickets will be available throughout the event for chances to win various items from the Marshall University Bookstore, Blenko Glass, Old Main Emporium, Huntington Museum of Art, Contemporary Galleries of WV Inc., MU Artists Series, local artists and more.
The event is sponsored by Insurance for Students Inc., Chipotle Mexican Grill, City National Bank, Glenn’s Sporting Goods, Yeager Airport and Kroger.
For more information about Marshall University’s International Festival, contact the Office of International Student Services at 304-696-6229, e-mail iss@marshall.edu or visit the International Festival website at www.marshall.edu/iss/festival.