Multicultural Fair Expected to Attract Thousands

One of the biggest events of the spring semester, Mary Washington’s Multicultural Fair, will beheld on Saturday, April 14.

The fair is held every spring and hosts many outside participants, as well as some of UMW’s own student groups showing off their skills to the community.

Campus Walk is sure to be crowded as the James Farmer Multicultural Center’s website predicts 3,000 to 4,000 people will be in attendance.

If you’re a fan of dance, you’ll definitely leave satisfied. The performances are spaced all throughout the fair at various stages. Performances will take place at Lee Hall, Trinkle Hall, Ball Circle and Dodd Auditorium. It is always exciting to see the many performers who proudly display their cultural background with energetic dance pieces that entertain and teach. Previous fairs have hosted Cuban dance, Vietnamese fan dancing, African drums, up-and-coming rappers, martial arts and more.

Most UMW groups, such as Eagle Bhangra and Alter Ego Step Team, will be performing multiple times, so if you happen to miss them on one stage just check the schedule and hop to the next one.

Even without all of the constant dance motion surrounding you, you can still get an eyeful of diverse and striking fashion. A fashion show will be held right outside the steps of Lee Hall, parading styles from around the world that students have volunteered to show. Alongside Campus Walk there will be vendors selling clothing, accessories and mementos.

For patrons that have children or family visiting, you need not fear that there will be no entertainment for them. Near the children’s stage, there are coloring stations filled with candy, as well as face painting stations and a balloon bouncing station.

The fair will also offer plenty of delicious food vendors in Ball Circle from various, diverse cultures.

Even for those who attend every year, The Multicultural Fair always has something new to offer. It is always an energetic day filled with fun and learning. So if this is your first time or your fifth, you should still come out to see it this Saturday.

The event will be held rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.