International Festival takes 'World Tour' around SCC October 19

Christopher Harris, Commonwealth Journal, Somerset, Ky.
·4 min read

Oct. 13—Bringing people from different parts of the world together is a worthy goal — and it's something that happens every fall on the campus of Somerset Community College.

The 17th annual SCC International Festival will be held Thursday, October 19, from 9 a.m. until approximately 2:30 p.m. on the Somerset campus, with a wide array of displays, presentations, and fun activities for young people and adults alike.

"We do this every year so that we can bring the world to one place on our campus, so that the people of this community and at our college can all come and see everything about all the different countries that we can expose them to right here in one place," said Elaine Wilson, SCC Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

This year's theme for the international festival is "SCC World Tour." Wilson said the college invites everyone interested in this festive day to come, learn about nations and cultures and have fun while you are on campus — everyone is welcome, whether they're associated with the college or not, and the event is free to attend.

"There will be much to see, hear, and taste — all with an international flavor all through!" said Wilson.

Wilson said it's good to have a mixture of things people are familiar with as well as new attractions — "We don't know who is coming and who has been there to see it before," she said. Several fresh items are on the schedule this year, including a feature on the U.S. territory and island paradise Puerto Rico with Chef Ed Nazario of Culinary Arts, and a new look at Egypt to be conducted by a long-time supporter of our college festivals, Dr. Zenab Abdel Alim. Mary Taylor Huntsman from the SCC library will present one of her Curiosity Workshops on, appropriately for this time of year, hauntings and the paranormal.

And coming to the festival in a different role will be Dr. Wanda Dodson, a long-time friend and supporter of all cultural diversity events, who will share a briefing from her Travel Log, noted Wilson.

"Dr. Dodson has traveled the world, and as she opens her travel chest, all will learn about the world from her eyes," said Wilson. "Another new presentation this year will take all listeners to the world of Kenya in Africa, where some friends have deeply-rooted connections with the people of Kenya. They assist with very much needed items and services through the Merciful Redeemer Children's Home. You will not want to miss how a small group of people from Kentucky have made a huge difference in the lives of some people in Kenya! It is truly amazing!"

Among the day's other numerous activities:

—Opening ceremonies, with Jon Burlew as emcee, will begin at 9 a.m. at Meece Auditorium in Meece Hall.

Emceed by the famous Jon Burlew, the opening ceremony will begin at 9 o'clock in the Meece Auditorium in Meece Hall. This ceremony will give homage to various counties and will be followed by the Parade of Nations, led by local bagpipers. International flags are borrowed from First Baptist Church and will be carried by local public-school students.

Additionally, noted Wilson, SCC President and CEO Dr. Carey Castle "is going to get to greet everybody" for the first time ever.

—SCC Political Science Professor James Taylor will speak on conditions around the world with regard to human trafficking, refugee camps and NGOs (non-governmental associations). Another returning member of the SCC family is Zhiming Xia, a faculty member from computer/information tech who specializes in Chinese Writing.

—Jim Embry of Richmond, Ky., is a familiar face at the International Festival talking about food sustainability, but this time will speak on the Joy and Justice Journey, which Wilson noted should expand on the Terre Madre message Embry has brought before.

—The SCC Cosmetology returns its always-popular International Fashion Display.

—The East/West Karate Academy will give Taekwondo demonstrations.

—In the Stoner Hall Theatre, Virgil M. Covington, Jr. portrays the Kentucky Humanities Chautauqua character William Wells Brown.

—Music and dance components to the festival include Joan Brannon with African drumming, and another favorite, the Berea College Middle Eastern Dancers.

—A group of faculty members, their friends, and college friends will feature a session about their home country, the Philippines.

—Two returning exhibitors will be PFLAG and KYNECT, who will be present in the corridors of Rogers Commons. There will also be new exhibits for the Lake Cumberland Diversity Collective and for Serbia.

—A session with Seth Hart of the Wayne County Extension Office who leads a class in Pottery and Basic Art Forms.

—Games and entertainment like cornhole, sponsored by the Student Government Association,

"With all the returning features mixed with the new, no one will want to miss this year's festival," said Wilson. "This will be especially true when lunch time visitors will be treated to samples prepared by SCC's own Culinary Arts students who this year chose to treat you to food from Brazil, Italy, and India! International food is always a good way to look at the world from a different standpoint. Don't miss your chance to try these wonderful options for your taste buds."