‘Fun Days’ to build excitement for 40th International Festival

This year marks the 40th anniversary of UNC Charlotte’s International Festival, which will continue a campus tradition of celebrating the region’s vibrant and culturally diverse landscape. New for 2015 are Festival Fun Days, in recognition of the festival’s four decades, the Office of International Programs (OIP) is introducing the fun days to further engage the campus community during the four weeks leading up to the Oct. 17 festival.

“The Fun Days are a new element to strengthen visibility of the event and generate excitement within the campus community,” said Christina Sanchez, associate director of international programs. “We are ecstatic to be commemorating four decades of cultural celebration for UNC Charlotte and the Charlotte community.”

The first fun day takes place Friday, Sept. 18; it will consist of an opportunity to envision one’s self “on top of the world” by taking photos with a large globe located outside the Student Union.

Friday, Sept. 25, is the second fun day, and it will feature Asian Lion Dancers at various locations throughout campus. Volunteers will accompany the lion dancers to distribute promotional items and information about how to get involved with UNC Charlotte’s international activities, cuisines and organizations.

The third fun day will be Friday, Oct. 2, and there will be an international tailgate in collaboration with the Campus Activities Board prior to the first Friday evening Charlotte 49ers football game.

Thursday, Oct. 8, is the final fun day; past International Festival display boards will be around the Belk Tower to recognize the festival’s original location. There will be food and cultural activities, too.

“Since 1975, the International Festival has played an important role in shaping the cultural landscape for the UNC Charlotte campus,” Sanchez said. “We’re excited to celebrate the rich, 40-year history of the festival while harnessing its popularity to raise awareness of and engagement with the many international opportunities throughout campus.”

The 40th International Festival will be from 10 a.m. to approximately 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, in and around the Barnhardt Student Activity Center. The Office of University Communications will provide coverage of festival activities starting at noon (livestream.charlotte.edu or inside.charlotte.edu). The webcast will feature live performances from the arena; interviews with participants, festival goers and performers; and pre-produced videos highlighting the abundance of international offerings found around the city of Charlotte

In addition to the excitement of the Festival Fun Days, a celebratory fireworks presentation will close the 40th installment of one of Charlotte’s premiere cultural experiences. Scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Irwin Belk Track and Field Complex, this 40th International Festival Anniversary Signature Event will feature a lively procession of nations, additional cultural performances, brief remarks and recognition of the first festival.