Over 20 different musical groups, dance troupes and cultural acts took the stage at the University of Mary Washington’s Multicultural Fair this past weekend, showcasing their talents across three main stages spread throughout the Fredericksburg campus.
Among the largest events the University hosts each year, the fair attracted thousands of attendees. Stretching as far as the eye could see along Campus Walk and Ball Circle – performers, vendors, information tables, food trucks and children’s activities were on display.
Now in its 35th year, the event was presented by the University’s James Farmer Multicultural Center (JFMC), in close collaboration with UMW student organizations, campus partners, faculty and staff, and the Fredericksburg community. The event was free and open to the public with food and crafts available for purchase.
“It’s wonderful each year to welcome such amazing international talent and craftsmanship to the beautiful UMW campus,” said JFMC Director Marion Sanford. “We are excited, not just about the variety of ethnic vendors and performers, but to continue our long tradition of bringing a global experience close to home.”
Amidst spring blooms popping out all over campus, lively rhythms and drumbeats resonated from stages set up at George Washington Hall, Farmer Hall and Lee Hall Terrace. The globally inspired musical acts included such groups as the Manny Kellough Jazz Quintet, Orfeia Vocal Ensemble, Kevin Davis and Ban Caribe, German LOW n’ BROWS, Harry Wilson Music, B.S.T. Band and Limón and the Latin Feeling Band.
UMW’s own performance groups also took part in the festivities, including the Performing Arts Company, Belly Dance Team, Water Bending Dance Club, K-Pop Dance Team and Voices of Praise. Other cultural performers included acts like Sayaw Diversity performing arts, Laughing Dragon Kung Fu, Umbiance Dance and Athenian Dance Troupe.
Not to be outdone, food vendors offered tastes from around the globe, including Italian sausage, Caribbean craft barbecue, Greek gyros, baklava, Thai chicken and pad Thai, along with a collection of traditional festival-fare like funnel cakes, hot dogs and fried Oreos. Artisans sold handmade jewelry, clothing, baskets, glassware and soaps. Bouncy houses, slides, face painting, craft activities and sweets, like ice cream and lemonade, were available for the younger set.
King George resident Abbi Ringgold attended the event with friends who are UMW students. The group snacked, played corn hole on the lawn in Ball Circle and perused the crafts – eventually picking up a beaded bracelet, some clothing and a vintage vinyl album. “We had such a great time just being on campus, checking out the vendors and reconnecting with family and friends,” Ringgold said.
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