Members of the Ohio University and Athens communities joined together on Saturday, April 7, for an annual tradition that celebrates the global diversity of the collective community.
OHIO’s annual International Week – this year celebrating the theme “Unity through Diversity – wrapped up with a perennial favorite, the International Street Fair, coordinated by OHIO’s International Student Union. Despite a change in location, unseasonable cold temperatures and even a few snowflakes, fairgoers – including many Bobcat moms and honorary moms in town for OHIO’s Moms Weekend – enjoyed a wide array of cultural displays and interactive activities, ethnic dance and musical performances, and cuisine that spanned the globe.
To take a closer look at OHIO’s 2018 International Street Fair, click on this video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_nR8X2c5Q4
Here’s a look at the 2018 International Street Fair:
undefinedThe parade of flags, featuring the flags of Ohio University international students’ home countries, officially kicked off the International Street Fair, which this year was relocated from uptown Athens’ Court Street to East Union Street between Court Street and University Terrace.
undefinedOhio University President M. Duane Nellis welcomes everyone to his first International Street Fair, addressing the crowd from a stage at OHIO’s Howard Park. Dr. Nellis shared with the crowd how appreciative he is to live and work in such an inclusive and supportive community. He also seized the opportunity to extend a special welcome to a delegation from Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador who were wrapping up a week-long visit to Ohio University by attending the International Street Fair.
undefinedOhio University student Aziz Al Fadha (right) and his friend wave flags as they listen to the speakers at the International Street Fair.
undefinedAthens Mayor Steve Patterson extends a welcome on behalf of the City of Athens to those attending the International Street Fair while Carla Triana, president of OHIO’s International Student Union, looks on. Mayor Patterson spoke about the power of having a diverse and inclusive community.
undefinedOhio University Vice Provost for Global Affairs and International Studies Lorna Jean Edmonds helps in kicking off the 2018 International Street Fair. In her remarks, Dr. Edmonds thanked the International Student Union and all of the international students for their 30-plus years of impact on Ohio University and Athens. “You have been transformative,” she said.
undefinedThe lead singer of Bossa Nova enjoys the energy at the International Street Fair as the first performer of the day.
undefinedInda, a community member from Indonesia, hands a plate of lamb satay to Benjamin Bates, Ohio University’s Barbara Geralds Schoonover Professor of Health Communication.
undefinedBasair Al Hinai applies a henna tattoo to Adrianna Shafer's hand during the 2018 International Street Fair.
undefinedMembers of Ohio University’s Indonesian Student Association prepare one of the most popular dishes at the International Street Fair, satay and noodles.
undefinedPercussionists add a distinct sound to the International Street Fair’s annual parade of flags.