Multicultural Fair’s Return Brings Fun and Funnel Cakes to Campus

The Multicultural Fair is back! After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, the colorful, festive, crowd-pleasing event returned to the University of Mary Washington’s Fredericksburg campus Saturday. The nexus may have shifted from Ball Circle – sacred site of Commencement, and current incubator to baby grasses – to Jefferson Square, but the familiar sounds and scents wafted down Campus Walk, which was filled with people, dogs and vendors.

The sun peeped from behind the clouds every now and then, and random raindrops fell, but none of the activities were dimmed.

“It was great to host the Multicultural Fair in person again,” said Marion Sanford, director of the James Farmer Multicultural Center, sponsor for 32 years of this annual spring event. “It was wonderful to have the amazing vendors and dynamic performances throughout the day.”

The Courthouse School of Ballet performs in front of Farmer Hall during the 32nd Annual Multicultural Fair at UMW. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Friendship bracelets were among the many craft items available at the fair. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Maheen Tajuddin (left) draws a henna tattoo on Tiffani Beissel during the 32nd annual Multicultural Fair. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Kevin Davis and Ban Caribe play at George Washington Hall. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Familiar scents wafted down Campus Walk at Saturday’s 32nd annual Multicultural Fair. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Many of the same crafters and talents returned this year to perform at the festival or offer their food and wares.

UMW students Bailey Merriman (left) and Megan Childs (right) look over posters to buy at the fair. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Hazel Lam-Mackintosh and Harper Thaden (left) make bead bracelets with UMW students Jenny Vuong and Boramy Meng. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Jimbo and Kim Cary perform during Saturday’s Multicultural Fair. The event is back after a two-year hiatus due to COVID. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

Giant inflatables are always part of the fun at the Multicultural Fair, which brings a taste of the world to campus. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

The Multicultural Fair offered a range of edibles, including Italian sausages and gyros. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

“We are grateful for all the volunteers,” Sanford said, “as well as everyone who came out to join us for this culturally enriching and lively event that celebrates diversity.”