UWRF upholds yearly tradition with International Bazaar

One of UW-River Falls’ most prominent yearly events, the International Bazaar, will once again be held in the University Center Ballroom on April 9. The event promises to offer things from years past and more.

“Nobody is really sure how long it’s been going on for,” Head Coordinator Alifa Momin said.

This is Momin’s second year involved with the Bazaar and her first coordinating it. The event, sponsored by the International Student Association, has been a yearly tradition for the University. Having been held every spring for an estimated 50 years, the International Bazaar is held with the purpose of exposing attendees to aspects of different cultures from all over the world.

Aspects of other cultures at the event include clothing, music and perhaps most importantly, food.

“It’s probably one of the biggest events on the campus. From my experience, most people come for the food,” Momin said. 

The food offered at the Bazaar will be given in small sampler sized amounts rather than full meals, allowing attendees to have enough room in their stomachs for cuisine from several cultures. People will be able to sample food from 10 separate countries as well as deserts from two.  Food will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m., after which guests will be treated to entertainment.

Entertainment will include things such as dances as well as songs. Dances can be both traditional and modern, as break dancing has been a part of the entertainment at past Bazaars.

There are also plans to have an international fashion show. Though it will not be done in a runway style, the fashion show is intended to demonstrate different attire from the regions represented at the event.

Also, for the first time, the Bazaar plans to have a portion of the entertainment devoted to calligraphy. This portion of the event is expected to take roughly 20 minutes and will demonstrate the art. In addition, there are also plans to have a portion with audience participation in which volunteers will try their hand at calligraphy.

Cultures represented at the Bazaar will include, Swahili, Tibetan, German, Japanese, Chinese, Indian and others. This year’s Bazaar promises a large event with more to offer than past years.

Tickets can be purchased at the door of the UC Ballroom April 9, the prices being $5 for students and $10 for non-students.