Global Fest graphic courtesy of Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association website.
ELLIE ALLEN | STAFF REPORTER | emallen2@butler.edu
Indiana’s first Global Fest is coming to Indianapolis on Sept. 15 from noon to 10 p.m. It will take place on the grounds of Northwood Christian Church.
Global Fest is a festival showcasing different cultures from around the world. There will be performances, music and cultural learning. Around twenty artisans will be selling cultural art such as wood carvings and jewelry.
There are also opportunities to volunteer. All proceeds from the $1,000 raffle and other activities will be donated to Center for Inquiry 70, an Indianapolis Public School magnet. CFI 70 hopes to raise funds to offset budget costs.
Chris Collier, principal of CFI 70, said she has two main goals for this event.
“The first goal is for people to come together and celebrate community and culture through crafts, arts and music,” Collier said. “The second is to raise money for CFI 70. We are in our third year of operation and have many needs.”
Live music will be played throughout the festival. Musical performances include Grupo Bembé, a Latin fusion group, and Sweet Poison Victim, an Afro-punk band.
Attendees can also learn more about certain cultures from CITYOGA School of Yoga and Health and Hernly Family Karate. There will also be performances by Iibada Dance Company, the Irish Dancers of Indianapolis and Center of Inquiry students.
Collier said the event will be a way for Butler students to get to know their community and take a break from studying.
“College-age students can look forward to the food, live music and artisans,” Collier said. “Students can enjoy the music and relieve some stress. They should come and socialize and have fun together.”
Students in Irvington House’s Go Global themed living community plan to attend this event as a unit to learn more about different cultures.
Chad Hansen, first-year international business major, said the main reason he decided to attend the event was for the free food.
“I am also excited to see all the cultures, meet new people and learn about other cultures together,” Hansen said.
Another Go Global student, Will Gigerich, first-year management information systems major, said he decided to go to Global Fest because he hopes to learn more about different cultures.
“I am excited to see the different cultures showcased,” Gigerich said, “and to meet people of different backgrounds. I’m also excited for the food.”
There will be food trucks with cuisines from all across the globe. Mark Lafay, owner of Old Major Market, will represent the United States with a barbeque truck.
Global Fest will take place between noon and 10 p.m. Admission is free.
