By SARA GIBONEY
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – International students will prepare authentic dishes from their home countries at the Scott D. Morris International Food and Cultural Festival Sunday at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
“In Nebraska, we just don’t have the opportunities that people do on the coasts or larger metropolitan areas to be more immersed in different cultures. And many of us don’t have the opportunities for overseas travel,” said Bonnie Payne, outreach coordinator for the Office of International Education.
“The International Student Association and Office of International Education feel it’s important to give the opportunity to the campus and the community to experience all of these different cultures.”
The event features foods from 11 countries: Colombia, Liberia, China, Mexico, Finland, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, India and Vietnam.
The festival is from 4-7 p.m. Sunday (March 6) in the Health and Sports Center. The event is free and open to the public.
Attendees can visit cultural booths that feature games, activities, decorations and information about each country. Entertainment includes a dance by the Japanese Association at Kearney, karate, a Nepali folk dance, a traditional Vietnamese dance, a traditional Mexican dance and Samulnori, a South Korean dance.
“For many international students, this is their ‘thank you’ to the campus and community for taking care of them and being so kind and friendly to them while they’re here,” Payne said.
The event is sponsored by Scott Morris of Morris Press in Kearney, and attendees will receive complimentary cookbooks featuring the international dishes served at the event.
The event is organized by the International Student Association.
Featured International Dishes
Colombia – Empanadas and Plantains
Liberia – Meat Pepper Soup and Cassava
China – Stir-Fried Tomato and Eggs and Pork and Cabbage Wraps
Mexico – Flautas and Mosaic Gelatin
Finland – Finnish Rye Pie and Sima-Lemon Mead
Saudi Arabia – Kabsa and Macaroni Bechamel
Japan – Teriyaki Chicken and Daigaku Imo (Honey Glazed Sweet Potatoes)
South Korea – Stir-Fried Spicy Pork and Sugared Ramen Cookies
Brazil – Brigadeiro (Brazilian Chocolate Candy)
India – Curry Chicken with Rice
Vietnam – Barbecued Pork and Pate Sandwich
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Source: Bonnie Payne, 308.865.8939, payneb@lopers.unk.edu
Writer: Sara Giboney, 308.865.8529, giboneys2@unk.edu
