Rolla’s cultural celebration to include Chinese dancers, African rhythms
Posted by Linda Fulps
Downtown Rolla will come alive this autumn with colorful Chinese dragons, African music, international treats and much more at the first Celebration of Nations event on Saturday, Oct. 9. The event was created to showcase how cultural diversity enriches Rolla, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and the world.
A Parade of Nations will kick off the event at 11 a.m., beginning at Missouri S&T’s Havener Center, winding through the downtown area, and ending at the Rolla Band Shell. The parade will include the Chinese dragon and lion dance; an Indian Palki, a traditional transport for brides on their wedding day; international floats; marching bands; and colorful flags representing the countries of origin of area residents.
A festival will follow the parade featuring international arts, crafts and food, including tasty treats from France, India and right here in the Ozarks. The festival will also include camels on display, a calligraphy demonstration and an African band.
There will also be an “International Idol” talent competition at the band shell. The contest is open to all, but contestants must preregister by Tuesday, Sept. 14. International Idol tryouts will be held Thursday, Sept. 16, in the Havener Center’s atrium.
Sign up now to be a part of the Celebration of Nations. All parade entries and festival participants are asked to represent aspects of their traditional culture. Sign up and find out more online , or contact Stephane Menand at 573-341-6237 or menands@mst.edu.
Sponsors of the event include Acar Campbell Voss Realtors Inc.; Boba Bliss; the city of Rolla; Gordoz Restaurant; Grellner Sales & Service Inc.; Kyoto Japanese Restaurant; Missouri S&T’s student chapter of Engineers Without Borders; Missouri S&T’s economics department, international affairs office, leadership and cultural programs, history and political science department, provost’s office and student life department; Pepsi Co.; Phelps County Bank; Phelps County Regional Medical Center; and the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.
