Culture

Cultural diversity and international flavors were celebrated Saturday on Court Street as Ohio University and the Athens community experienced the cultures, food and music of the International Street Fair.

The street fair is part of OU’s International Week, which began April 12 and concluded Sunday. Although some were seen walking Court Street with umbrellas, it was because of the sun, not rain. Near cloudless skies allowed an outdoor festival without the threat of rain.

“It’s great, it’s always great,” is how Athens-area resident Aubrei Krummert summed up the street fair. “Athens is so international, it’s wonderful.

Krummert was at the event with her husband, Julio Arauz, and their young daughter, Clara.

At one point, Clara had a picture of herself snapped while holding up a large cardboard frame displaying the International Week theme, “Our Global Family Celebration.”

Food venders offering a variety of international cuisine lined Court Street between West Union and West State Street.

Etem Curuk was helping prepare food at the booth of OU’s Turkish Students Association.

“I think it’s wonderful. Many people from different countries, different cultures,” Curuk said. “It’s amazing.”

Although many students and community member got an early start sampling the food at the fair, the event did not officially kick off until there was a flag parade down Court Street, with the flags of many countries being waved.

The parade ended at the festival’s stage, where there were welcome speakers — including Mayor Paul Wiehl and OU President Roderick McDavis.

Wiehl said diversity is one of the things that makes Athens special.

“Thank you for making Athens the wonderful place it is,” he told the crowd.

McDavis urged those in front of the stage to keep waving their flags.

“You are the reason for this event,” McDavis said as he looked out over the  crowd. “Over 100 countries represented by those flags. Nearly 2,000 international students attending Ohio University.”

McDavis noted that this year the first alumni reunion was held at OU for international students.

“At the next reunion, we want to see your face in the place,” he said.

Entertainment — including international dance performances — took place at the stage throughout the afternoon.

“What a day, what a day,” said L. J. Edwards, OU vice provost for global affairs and international studies.

Photos by Mark Clavin/WOUB Public Media