11th International Festival becomes a virtual cultural fair

By Diane VanDyke
Students and advisors of the International Club went online to share presentations about food, entertainment, cultures and experiences from around the globe.

Students and advisors of the International Club went online to share presentations about food, entertainment, cultures and experiences from around the globe.

One of Montgomery County Community College’s most favorite and well-attended events is the annual multi-cultural International Night featuring an array of food, music and entertainment from around the globe. Hosted by students of the International Club, the popular event attracts hundreds of visitors from the Montco and surrounding communities.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s on-campus festival was canceled, but thanks to the creativity and determination of the students and advisors, the event was transformed into a virtual International Fair and held via Zoom on May 28.

To prepare for the event, club members met virtually to discuss plans, learn how to use Zoom and rehearse. Approximately 10 students created two- to three-minute Bangladesh fashion showpresentations on a variety of aspects of their diverse cultures, ranging from Turkish coffee to traditional Bengali clothing to cooking and baking demonstrations and much more. The students also hosted a trivia game.

The International Fair lasted about two hours with more than 40 participants. International Club President Mis Champa and the other officers, Vice President Emilie Edgard and Turkish coffeeSecretary Prantha Khan, welcomed the audience. Advisors Dilek Arig and Iain Campbell served as the emcees/facilitators. The interactive event allowed participants to ask questions, share information and have fun together as they learned. Donations were accepted for the Student Emergency Fund

 Save the date - next year’s International Festival will be held on April 7.