Multicultural Fair Returned for 23rd Year, April 13

The University of Mary Washington held its 23rd annual Multicultural Fair on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The outdoor fair, organized by the James Farmer Multicultural Center, is one of the largest annual events at UMW, attracting more than 4,000 attendees each year. The Multicultural Fair demonstrates UMW’s commitment to multicultural awareness through a variety of ethnic performances, food and vendors. The fair also features kid-friendly crafts, activities and performances. “It’s one of those events where an adult will have just as much fun as a kid,” said Greta Franklin, associate director of the James Farmer Multicultural Center. “There’s something for everyone.” Throughout the day, more than 30 music and dance groups performed across campus, including Un Mundo, a local salsa band, Afro Funk All Stars, Intuition Band, Levi Stephens, and the McGrath Academy of Irish Dance. More than a dozen UMW student groups also performed, including BellACapella, UMW’s all-female a capella group, Eagle Bhangra and UMW Praise Dance. This year’s fair featured more than 60 vendors selling an array of jewelry, pottery, instruments and traditional clothing representing various cultures and 11 food trucks from different cuisines. “The goal [of the fair] is to celebrate cultural diversity and celebrate the differences amongst us and how they enrich our lives,” said Franklin. “It’s a very celebratory day.” The Multicultural Fair will be held rain or shine and is free and open to the public. For more information, including a full list of performers, visit http://www.umw.edu/multicultural/fair or contact the James Fair Multicultural Center at (540) 654-1044.