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HOUGHTON -- Anyone driving thru Townsend Drive and College Avenue within the last month has seen different nation's flags hoisted on the light poles. Those flags indicate a Michigan Tech tradition -- the 37th Festival of Nations and Multicultural Food Festival (nee Parade of Nations) kicks off at noon Saturday at Dee Stadium.
After decades of being known as the Parade of Nations, Michigan Technological University's Festival of Nations is ready for its first iteration under the new title, this year, under the theme "Seven Wonders of the World.”
Tech’s International Programs and Services (IPS) Director Christian Montesinos said the Parade of Nations rebrand was a concerted effort to expand the multicultural aspect of the celebration. "When we were doing the rebrand, we want to sort of look at every piece that we would do for the Parade of Nations, such a beloved event -- such a Tech tradition. The community is really invested in it and we at IPS are super invested in it and very intentional about it," he said. "What does the community want to see? What do they love seeing?"
A variety of student organizaations will serve food at this year's celebration between Dee Stadium and Michigan Tech's Lakeshore Center. The Indian Students Association, Nepalese Student Organization, MTU German Club, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, Muslim Students Association, Bangladeshi Student Association, and the African Student organization will sell small bites and plates ranging from $1-$20. Local vendors will serve food as well.
Montesinos said international students showcasing their culture through food is one of the ways the community can welcome them to Houghton. "I think it adds that connection to help the students really assimilate and acclimate and meet the community at-large through something that they love, which is showcasing their cultures through food," he said. "The greater community, in turn, kind of doing away with that culture shock of seeing so many different international individuals and trying all different kinds of food and really just breaking that barrier."
The Festival of Nations will feature international entertainment along the Houghton Waterfront Pier. Each performance will be 5-20 minutes in length and will celebrate the cultures showcased at the festival.
As with past Parade of Nations celebrations, Michigan Tech offered scholarships and prizes for submitting essays and creating the festival logo. This year's essay winner was Colin Van Larsen of Chassell High School. The logo for this year's Festival of Nations was created by Adler Raajala of Adams Township Schools.
"I just imagine some of the kids coming out to the event, seeing the winner, 'oh my God, that's my classmate. Oh my god, that's mine,'" he said. "The same goes with the essay. Just getting that input from the community and really heightening that multiculturalism."
The Portage Lake District Library is participating in the festivities throughout the week with the Keweenaw Children's Festival. The celebration features the World Explorer Passport, cultural exhibits and other daily events aiming to cue children and families into global community education.
For more information about the Festival of Nations, visit mtu.edu/international/get-involved/festival-of-nations/.