CULTURAL FAIR — Local Buckeye High School students dressed in Egyptian costume and presented facts and foods during the 19th annual International Cultural Fair. Hundreds of people attended to learn about the architecture, culture and cuisine of nearly 40 countries. Proceeds went back to the Foreign Language Club. Participating students included, from left, Samantha Ankrum, Brian McIver and Elizabeth Stock. — Contributed
CONNORVILLE — A trip around the world took place in a matter of minutes during the 19th annual International Culture Fair held at Buckeye Local High School on Feb. 22.
Hundreds of community residents enjoyed the sights, sounds and tastes of nearly 40 countries, from the Americas to Europe and beyond. Co-advisors Bonnie Soos and Savannah Granat commented that this year's theme was “Preserving the Past,” highlighting the history and architecture of each country.
“We had displays, foods and attractions from every country,” Soos said. “This year, we allowed the audience to vote on their favorite show, favorite food, and favorite structure.”
“The seniors loved the historical aspect,” Granat added. “They wanted to focus on architecture.”
Guests purchased tickets for 25 cents apiece, allowing them to participate in food tastings, concessions and a 50-50 raffle. Proceeds raised went to benefit the Foreign Language Club. Funds will be used for field trips and cultural experiences.
Soos explained that every exhibition held was a success. “It's all about bringing the community to the school,” she said. “It's a great community event.” She and Granat praised the students for the hard work they put into the exhibits and their presentations. “I'm very proud of them, especially their work on the structures,” Granat noted.
“We didn't know what to expect,” Soos said. “I think they did an excellent job.”
Attendees had the opportunity to view many hand-crafted models, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, the Matterhorn in Switzerland, Stonehenge in England, and the Puente de Boyaca Bridge in Colombia.
Guests examined detailed displays from the United States to Uruguay, from Argentina to Australia, and from Germany to Romania. They tasted delicious delights such as Rasta pasta from Jamaica, spice cake from Turks and Caicos, Dalgona coffee from South Korea, petit fours from France, and papitas de leche from Venezuela.
Theatrical performances included Spanish, Hebrew, Spanish, Scottish, and French songs, violin solos, tangos, and Lindler or Austrian, Indian, Chinese, and Filipino folk dances, as well as the Parade of Nations. Accordion player Dave Milovac and children's activities concluded the evening.
Many students wore costumes representing their chosen country. Some commented that they learned a lot as they prepared for the evening's festivities.
Juniors Alexis Burris and Ariel Urban represent Japan. The girls provided details about its geography and history and prepared ramen noodles and rice cakes in different flavors for people to try. “It's really good,” Burris replied when asked about her thoughts on participating in the show.
Orbán responded: Not only did they highlight the importance of the cherry blossom tree, but they also gained interest in the country's artwork. “I think the most interesting painting is ‘Kangawa Wave,’” Urban said. “My favorite part about Japan is the art.”
Student Chastity Stewart chose Costa Rica for her project. She highlighted historical and other facts from the country and presented banana bread, a meat and vegetable dish called picadillo di papa, and chimichurri sauce.
“I was interested and wanted to learn more about it,” Stewart said of the country.
Sydney Snyder, a junior who chose Italy as her country, served the crowd pasta, tiramisu and Italian cream soda. “I thought it would be really fun,” she said of her casting. It was all Greek for seniors Raegan Lengyel and Jasmine Yohe. The duo chose the Mediterranean country as their theme, promoting its culture and cuisine, with items including baklava, tzatziki sauce and pita chips.
“Greece has an amazing background,” Yohe said. “We also love Greek mythology,” Lengyel added.
