Wayne College International Festival Feb. 8-10

Chinese acrobats. South American song. African drums and dance. International cuisine. All of these attractions and more will be featured at this year’s International Festival at The University of Akron Wayne College Feb. 8-10 in the Student Life Building. The College is located at 1901 Smucker Road, Orrville.  The festival and all entertainment is free and open to the public.

The theme for the three-day event is Experiencing Cultural Unity and opens with an education day featuring presentations, activities, live Argentine music, exhibits, and an Embracing Our Differences art display. The following day the exhibits and hands-on activities continue, in addition to interactive African drums and dance, a photo booth, international food samples, and more. Visitors will receive a passport to take along as they "travel" between exhibits and activities, acquiring stamps that can be redeemed for a free International Festival t-shirt.

The festival closes with a spectacular performance Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. when Chinese acrobats will use contortions, foot juggling, plate spinning, and Chinese yo-yo to amaze and entertain. The act includes an interpreter who shares facts about Chinese culture and customs to make it a unique learning experience for the whole family. The troupe performed as part of the International Festival in 2015 to a standing room only crowd, so early arrival is encouraged. Doors open at 6:30.

“Exploring other cultures is important to our worldview,” said Dr. Jarrod Tudor, dean of Wayne College. “The International Festival connects our students with the traditions and customs of other countries in a fun and interactive way that highlights our similarities and celebrates diversity. We also use this event as a platform for encouraging our students to study abroad through the University of Akron and have those unique, first hand learning experiences that can only be gained through travel.”

Wayne College is proud to present the International Festival as part of its 2017 Community Connections Special Events Series. Future events include Poetry, Prose & Acoustical Jam Feb. 16, Administrative Professionals Day April 26, Writers Workshop April 1, and the Wayne County Mini-Maker Faire May 20.

For a full list of International Festival times and attractions, visit http://wayne.uakron.edu or call 330-684-8973.