MEMBER EVENT: International Society of Huntsville - iFest at UAH

When: Sat, 27 September 2014 Time: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
University Fitness Center—UAH Campus
500 John Wright Drive, NW @ Holmes Avenue, NW 35805

Join us for: 

• Worldwide Country Exhibition, featuring Cultural Artifacts, Flags, Travel/Historic Literature, Handicrafts, Native Apparel, Maps, Educational Videos, pictures and so much more! (inside UFC-University Fitness Center)
• FREE, Hands-on Children?s Activities (inside UFC-University Fitness Center) ? International Open Air Market, showcasing local international food vendors, handicraft, arts and Food trucks (on the grass area next to the UFC, next to/connecting to Holmes)
• A wealth of Global Performances, from Folk Dance and Traditional Instrumentals to Ethnic Song and Martial Arts!

iFest5 will start at 9.30 a.m. with the Grand Opening Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting, follow by our “Parade of Nations” illustrating all of the colorful and beautiful traditional clothing from all over the world. Our “Spotlight Countries” are Germany, India, and Turkey.  New countries represented for the first time include New Zealand, Ethiopia, Scotland, and Peru.
 
Our performers will range from the newest entertainment additions and joining iFest for the first time such as Sankofa Drum and Dance Ensemble (Africa), Roux du Bayou (Cajun French/Louisiana), Mambo Gris Gris (Mexico/Cuba), The Crackerjacks (USA) and more; to our traditional iFest favorites like the Jasmine Dance Ensemble (China), the Fitness Arts Center Step Dancers (Ireland), among other. It’s a mixture of sounds and rhythms from the world.
And introducing this year: “International Open Air Market” where food vendors, food trucks, handicraft, clothing and different expressions of art will be located together in one big outdoor space like in other nations of the world.
 
The little ones will have a lot of fun! Besides learning about the countries of the world they will enjoy FREE Children’s Activities, one will find:  having their name written in Arabic (Palestine) or in more than five regional languages (India); having their picture taken with the Berlin Bear (Berliner Bär); “Kiss the Blarney Stone” (Ireland); and Crown Making with Pre-cut Paper “Jewels” (United Kingdom).  Yep, bring the whole family!
 
Such an important and prestigious event is possible thanks to the support of UAH campus organizations like: the Student Government Association, Office of Diversity, Office of Advancement, M. Louis Salmon Library, Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA), and the Indian Student Organization (ISO); all of the hard work from the volunteers within the North Alabama community, particularly those associated with international organizations; as well as our sponsors Alabama A&M university, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Redstone Federal Credit Union, State Farm Insurance-CJ Monte agent, Alabama Credit Union, Ability Plus, Indorama Ventures-AlphaPet, Inc and University of Alabama Huntsville-UAH.

For more information, visit the International Society of Huntsville (ISH): www.internationalsocietyofhuntsville.org

ISH on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Society-Huntsville/479126168821941

iFest on facebook: 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Annual-International-Festival-of-North-Alabama/170498886358653

***Or contact iFest5 Chair: Josia Fiore: 256.694.1046/ E: josia.fiore@yahoo.com  and/or
iFest co-chair  and ISH President: Dr. Belinda Ong: 256. 824.6432/ E: ongb@uah.edu
 
About the International Society of Huntsville…
 
The Mission of the International Society of Huntsville, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is to promote the International Community in Northern Alabama through cultural, educational, and social programming.
 
The International Society exists to broaden awareness of diverse cultures from around the world while promoting a better understanding of the social, traditional, and historical aspects that affect the world we live in.
 
Full lists of countries, foods vendors, performers, Call for Volunteers, and more will be announced at later dates.