UMW’s Multicultural Fair Celebrates 34th Year

The annual UMW Multicultural Fair was back in a big way on Saturday, April 13, with perfect weather, after rain and a pandemic dampened prior years. Performers, vendors, information tables, food trucks and children’s activities brought a spectrum of cultural sights, sounds and flavors that stretched across the Fredericksburg Campus from Jefferson Square to the edge of Palmieri Plaza.

Multicultural Student Affairs and James Farmer Multicultural Center (JFMC) work closely with campus partners, UMW student organizations, faculty and staff to plan the fair, in conjunction with the greater Fredericksburg community. The 34th annual event, which drew thousands, was dedicated to the memory of the JFMC’s first director, Forrest Parker, who passed away earlier this year.

“People were hanging out on Jeffy Square just enjoying the wonderful weather and the opportunity to celebrate diversity in a very enlightening and enriching way,” said current JFMC Director Marion Sanford. “We were delighted and proud to be able to showcase and celebrate the amazing diversity represented on our campus and globally.”

The 34th annual Multicultural Fair brought a colorful lineup of dancers, singers and other performers to the University of Mary Washington. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce.

Scores of visitors turn out for the University of Mary Washington’s Multicultural Fair each year. Sunny skies prevailed for this year’s event, held Saturday, April 13. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce.

Tacos, gyros, cotton candy and all the typical fair foods were available at UMW’s 34th annual Multicultural Fair on Saturday, April 13. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce.

Kevin Davis and BanCaribe perform in front of George Washington Hall during UMW’s 34th annual Multicultural Fair on Saturday, April 13. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce.

Kevin Davis and BanCaribe brought bongos and their signature soulful rhythm to the stage at George Washington Hall, representing Afro-Cuban, Latin and Caribbean music. Orfeia Vocal Ensemble shared the traditional sounds of Bulgaria and Eastern Europe in front of Farmer Hall. Richmond-based River City Taiko played Japanese drums on the stage at Lee Hall.

And that’s just for starters. UMW groups – including the UMW Bellydancers, Praise Dance, Performing Arts Company, K-Pop Dance Team and Voices of Praise – got in on the act, showcasing their various talents, as did other performers, from cloggers to martial artists.

Items for purchase or browsing lined Campus Walk, with more than 40 craft and nonprofit tables offering baskets and plants, jewelry and scarves, backpacks and soap. Activities and games, like bounce houses and face painting, entertained the youngest fairgoers. And food vendors offered a taste of the globe, from pad Thai and tacos to gyros and baklava, plus fluffy cotton candy and all the fair foods.

“We are so grateful to so many members of campus, alumni, Fredericksburg and the broader communities who came out in support of this event,” said Sanford, who expressed particular appreciation for the volunteers who help make the fair a success. “We are already making notes for next year!”

A variety of performers, from bellydancers to cloggers, took to three stages on UMW’s Fredericksburg campus for the 34th annual Multicultural Fair. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce.

UMW’s Multicultural Fair brings cultures from across the globe to campus, and it’s also a great chance for friends to meet up. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce.

Dance, from folk to breakdance, is an integral part of the annual Multicultural Fair, along with other types of live performances. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce.

Fluffy cotton candy and all types of fair foods – both American and ethnic – were available for visitors at the 34th annual Multicultural Fair. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce.