On April 10, 2001 Western Carolina University held its annual International Festival on the front lawn of the University Center under spring's blue skies and a hot summer sun.
For the past 22 years, WCU has coordinated and worked closely with International students and local businesses to foster ethnicity and multiculturalism at the university and in the surrounding communities.
The International Festival reflects the heritage, art, music and food of cultures from around the world, and this year’s festival offered an exciting and innovative program that provided a unique cultural experience to those who attended.
The main musical act was the contemporary Latin American sound of Conclave, a six-piece group from Asheville, NC. The Highlands Pipes and Drums, the Yiddish Folk group L’Chaim (To Life), the Shringara Nepal Trio, and the WCU Gamelan Orchestra, conducted by WCU Music Professor Dr. Will Peebles, also performed.
Bo Taylor, an archivist for the  Museum of the Cherokee Indian presented Native American culture via dance and song.
Exhibits were open throughout the festival, including the Hmong artistry of Xi Yang, the Host Family Organization, the Office of International Programs and Services, Vos Latina, Another World (international stamps and postcards), the National Art Education Association, Organization of Ebony Students, Penland School Potter David Gess, and Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars.
Numerous booths were handled by international students and local vend ors alike that provided information about various countries and culinary delights from the international cuisines of Germany, France, Bangladesh, Mexico, China, India, Kenya, Ghana, and more. Students from several African countries and India presented a fashion show that highlighted original and unique attire from two distinct parts of the world.
The International Festival requires early preparation. For anyone interested in assisting the International Committee with this annual event, please contact Jane Adams-Dunford, International Student Advisor, at 227-7234.
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