The 53rd annual Marshall University International Festival, sponsored by the Center for International Programs, returns to the Tri-State community from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Huntington’s Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
Admission to the festival is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to purchase food tickets at the event to sample dishes from around the world. Participating restaurants include Chateau D’Italia, Chipotle Mexican Grill, El Ranchito, Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse, Julian’s Market and New China Garden Buffet.
According to Jyotsna Patel, event coordinator and administrator for the Center for International Programs at Marshall, the festival is West Virginia’s largest and longest-running international festival, featuring international foods, world music, dance and displays representing many countries and cultures.
“This event really helps promote diversity and educate the Huntington community about various cultures and countries from around the globe,” Patel said. “The International Festival benefits students by allowing them to interact with other cultures through food and music.”
The festival will include special appearances from Batman and Marshall University’s Marco.
Children attending the event will have the opportunity to have an event passport stamped as they travel to various student booths representing more than 15 different countries. Face painting, cotton candy, crafts and more will also be available throughout the event.
“Marshall University’s Center for International Programs is thrilled to present the 53rd International Festival to the Tri-State area. This is a great event for families and people of all ages. Anyone who enjoys learning about other cultures will enjoy attending the festival and interacting with Marshall University’s international student body,” said Dr. Tammy Johnson, executive director of Admissions and International Student Services.
Live entertainment will feature Voodoo Katz of Charleston, West Virginia, a six-man band known for their core Caribbean and African numbers, as well as various performances by Marshall University international students.
Raffles will be available throughout the event for a Marshall University Bookstore gift card, Brown Dog Yoga membership, Huntington Museum of Art membership, local art and more.
The Center for International Programs has partnered with Marco’s Pizza and Cabell County Schools for the event, which is sponsored by BB&T, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Kroger and MUOnLine.
For more information about Marshall University’s International Festival, contact the Center for International Programs at 304-696-6265, e-mail cip@marshall.edu or visit the International Festival website at www.marshall.edu//cip/festival/.
