SPRINGFIELD — While walking towards the A. Lincoln Commons on Oct. 7, students were greeted by multiple tents and flags along the sidewalk — not a typical day at Lincoln Land.
The Multicultural Festival was taking place.
“It’s something I am both interested in, and gives me something to do,” said Kelley Devlin, while checking out the festival.
Organizer Marie Watson, student engagement coordinator for Student Life, said, “The Multicultural Fest was very successful, with the entertainment and food vendors being the highlight of the event.”
The festival featured booths from different community organizations and performers.
“The participation from local exhibitors is always something that benefits the students in getting to know what is in the community,” Watson said.
Some of the organizations included the Springfield chapter of NAACP, Sol Peru and the Springfield Bahai Community.
Performers on a stage facing the commons’ entrance filled the outdoor space with music throughout the event.
The stage featured Tom Irwin, an acoustic guitarist, Shay on Sax and Lotus Fire Belly Dancers.
There also were two faculty members who took their turn on the stage: Matt Combs, acoustic guitarist, and Paul Van Heuklom, a Native American flute player.
“The festival has been going good, so far,” says Max Lake, with Student Life, about half way through the event. “Everyone seems to be talking and having fun.”
Besides the exhibitors and performs there was also a Henna artist and food vendors giving out samples, which was probably the favorite part of the event for many.
The food was offered by AZ-T-CA Mexican Grill, Clay’s Popeye’s Bar B-Q, Magic Kitchen, Flavor of India, Hunan Chinese Restaurant and Kingsway African and Caribbean Cuisine.
“Some of the food I have tried before, but others I hadn’t. It was all pretty good,” said student, Darvius Derbick.
The number of exhibitors that participated this was lower than past years, according to Watson, but she plans to focus on increasing the number in coming years.
Watson credits the staff, clubs, vendors and artists to making the event successful.
The festival will continue to be anticipated, annual event at Lincoln Land.
By Leanna Churchill
Staff Writer
Leanna Churchill can be reached at [email protected].