International Bazaar
Ian Davis
Issue date: 3/4/09 Section: The Edge
Are you curious about different cultures from around the globe? Want to try exotic dishes from a multitude of different countries? If so, this weekend's 36th annual International Bazaar is the place to be.
Each country represented will have a booth set up in the Western Illinois University Union where international students will serve traditional food from their home countries. The booths serve as the focal point for each country represented in the Bazaar, and also function as a launching point for each of the Bazaar's other attractions.
"Most of the students at each booth put on a show about their country's culture, and it provides a great way for American students and the people of Macomb to learn about different cultures without spending a lot of money traveling," said Ali Alhejji, SGA Representative of the International Friendship Club.
Students running each booth also wear their country's traditional clothing, allowing Western students and Macomb residents to get an up-close look at the clothing styles of different cultures.
The clothing also helps to foster friendly competition between the different countries' booths, creating a fun atmosphere for everyone involved.
"Every year we see a kind of competition between the international students. One of the presentations we do is a fashion show, and the students really get into trying to represent their country well," Alhejji said.
Presentations other than the fashion show abound as well. Each country also prepares and performs a traditional dance, allowing attendees another glimpse into each culture's traditions.
The booths are also a sight to see.
"Everyone decorates their booth with drawings and different things," Alhejji said. "Every year the students present great new ideas with their decorations."
This year's Bazaar is shaping up to be just as successful as previous years, given how much time and effort has been put into getting it ready.
"We have been working on the International Bazaar for a year now," said Daniel Hernandez, a graduate assistant at Western Illinois and marketing chair for the Bazaar. "It starts with the development and logo of the new theme for the following year and continues on until the event is done."
Each country represented will have a booth set up in the Western Illinois University Union where international students will serve traditional food from their home countries. The booths serve as the focal point for each country represented in the Bazaar, and also function as a launching point for each of the Bazaar's other attractions.
"Most of the students at each booth put on a show about their country's culture, and it provides a great way for American students and the people of Macomb to learn about different cultures without spending a lot of money traveling," said Ali Alhejji, SGA Representative of the International Friendship Club.
Students running each booth also wear their country's traditional clothing, allowing Western students and Macomb residents to get an up-close look at the clothing styles of different cultures.
The clothing also helps to foster friendly competition between the different countries' booths, creating a fun atmosphere for everyone involved.
"Every year we see a kind of competition between the international students. One of the presentations we do is a fashion show, and the students really get into trying to represent their country well," Alhejji said.
Presentations other than the fashion show abound as well. Each country also prepares and performs a traditional dance, allowing attendees another glimpse into each culture's traditions.
The booths are also a sight to see.
"Everyone decorates their booth with drawings and different things," Alhejji said. "Every year the students present great new ideas with their decorations."
This year's Bazaar is shaping up to be just as successful as previous years, given how much time and effort has been put into getting it ready.
"We have been working on the International Bazaar for a year now," said Daniel Hernandez, a graduate assistant at Western Illinois and marketing chair for the Bazaar. "It starts with the development and logo of the new theme for the following year and continues on until the event is done."
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