By Shruti Mungi '19

Handmade Vietnamese bracelets, melodies of South-Asian music, and wide spreads of cultural food were just some of the things attendees experienced at Knox College's International Fair 2019.

The week-long gathering of cultures at Knox culminated in a booths fair, flag parade, cultural showcase and international food fair on Saturday, February 2. This year, students celebrated the theme "Arts & Culture: Show Us Your Colors."

At Knox, 17% of the student population hails from outside the United States, representing 51 different countries on campus. President Teresa Amott echoed Knox’s culture of diversity at the flag parade. “Knox College,” she said. “The whole world is welcome here.”

During the week, students demonstrated their cultural identities on Traditional Outfit Day and took part in Kala Pola: Sri Lanka’s Annual Art Fair that brings attention to various cultural, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic issues through art.

“People tend to know basic, popular art forms from different countries but rarely know the significance behind them in those cultures,” said Poorva Anand '19, co-president of International Club. “This year, we wanted to give students the chance to highlight unique art forms that other people might not know about.”

I-Fair’s cultural showcase included dances and performances by student organizations and individuals such as a traditional Korean drum dance, a poem about homeland, and a salsa performance.

"It's great how students are given an opportunity to showcase their culture, not only in front of the student body, but also faculty members, students' families, and the Galesburg community,” said Deandra Mazaya ‘19, who participated in the food fair and cultural showcase with M.E.Ch.A. “This is a space where students are able to express themselves.”

For Anand, who has lived in six countries, International Fair has been a celebration that brings together all her experiences. As a part of International Club, initially as a member of the cultural showcase committee and then as co-president, she was interested in coordinating the event because of the importance of diversity in her life.

“I have been lucky enough to live in different countries and see a multitude of cultures come together,” Anand commented. “This is something I’ve done my whole life, but it might not be the same for other people.”

The international food fair included 24 different dishes such as Jägerschnitzel cutlets by German Club, Yakitori by Japanese Club, and spicy shrimp by A.B.L.E. Long Le '21 participated in the booths fair as a part of UNICEF Club and later served food on behalf of Asian Student Association.

“This is my second year participating in I-Fair, and I find myself coming back because it introduces a lot of different cultures to everyone,” said Le. “The food fair is especially my favorite because it helps me appreciate the hard work that everyone puts into the event to make it a success.”

Eryn Jackson '18 commented that she regretted not participating in I-Fair during her first three years at Knox. She came back this year to celebrate the event with her friends.

“I was only involved my senior year when I prepared food with Korean Club. I remember how stressful but rewarding the whole experience was,” Jackson said.

“Events like this are what makes Knox a good place to learn about different cultures,” she added. “Everyone is always excited to tell you about their own background.”