The reggae/go-go sounds of Ras Lidj and Regg’Go enlivened Chandler Ballroom of the Cedric Rucker University Center, one act out of dozens that performed during UMW’s annual Multicultural Fair. (Chenin Guber photo.)
Eight-year-old Jamie Rutstein sat perfectly still while getting his face painted at the University of Mary Washington’s 33rd annual Multicultural Fair this past weekend. He barely budged or even squinted as a paint brush daubed with blue and white tickled his cheeks and forehead.
Jamie’s cool demeanor at the busy fair comes from experience, said his mom, Amanda Rutstein, a 2007 UMW alumna who manages the academic department offices in Monroe Hall. Jamie has come to the Multicultural Fair every year of his life except during the pandemic hiatus.
“It’s just a good community event and a really fun time,” Rutstein said as Jamie hopped off the face-painting chair set up on the main floor of the Cedric Rucker University Center. Mother and son headed off to explore the fair’s many craft vendors, children’s activities offered by UMW student clubs, community information tables and performances.
Though the morning’s rain moved most events indoors, the daylong Multicultural Fair, held on Saturday, April 1, nevertheless drew enthusiastic crowds. The annual springtime tradition, sponsored by UMW’s James Farmer Multicultural Center (JFMC), celebrates diverse worldwide cultures while bringing together Fredericksburg-area residents, Mary Wash students and other members of the UMW community. Read more.