Update: Due to impending weather, the Multicultural Fair will move indoors. While food vendors will still be located on Ball Circle, craft and other vendors will move into the first and second floors of the University Center. The performances will take place as follows: The Children’s Area will be in the Talon Lounge on the 3rd floor of the University Center. The other performance areas will be located in Monroe Hall 116, the Lee Hall Underground, and Dodd Auditorium in George Washington Hall.
The University of Mary Washington will celebrate culture and diversity at the 26th Multicultural Fair on Saturday, April 9.
Hosted by the James Farmer Multicultural Center, the fair is dedicated to showcasing as many cultures and cultural expressions as possible through a variety of ethnic performances, international foods and craft merchants. Nearly 100 vendors, spread along Campus Walk from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., will showcase jewelry, tapestries, clothing and pottery as well as cuisine from a variety of food trucks.
“The Multicultural Fair is one of those rare events in which all age groups will have a great time,” said Greta Franklin, associate director of the James Farmer Multicultural Center. “For adults, there are performances and vendors that represent a broad spectrum of cultures and cultural traditions and for children there are activities, crafts, inflatables and performances specifically for them.”
New this year, vendors, highlighting the new Fredericksburg-Kathmandu Sister City initiative, will provide information and sell wares related to Nepalese culture. In addition, more than 35 music and dance groups will perform, including UMW’s Eagle Bhangra, Bell ACapella and Alter Egos.
The fair, which began in 1991, attracts more than 4,000 people annually from the UMW and Fredericksburg community.
The Multicultural Fair will be held rain or shine and is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://umw.edu/multicultural/fair or contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at 540-654-1044.