Thousands flock to Intercultural Festival

The Commons Plaza was packed as thousands of people of all ages lined the streets for this year’s Intercultural Festival.

Nearly 40 student organizations and companies set up booths along the sidewalk.

Hundreds gathered around the stage to witness dance routines from groups like the Providence STEP Team and Oasis Tribal, a tribal belly dance troupe. There was a wide range of musical performances from artists such as Louis Eagle Warrior, a Native American solo flutist, and traditional Highland Scottish music by the Greater Richmond Pipes & Drums group. Merchants and henna tattoo artists were also present.

“The philosophy of the event is to start little and grow big,” said Shivani Shodhan, ICF co-director. “It felt like seven to eight thousand people were there today.”

Junior Stacey Hanchuck has volunteered at the event for the last three years. She said she was amazed by the turnout yesterday.

“It’s a lot bigger than it used to be,” she said.

Students from 12 to 14 different schools around the Richmond area make up the Greater Richmond High School Jazz Band who also performed at the festival.

“They practice two hours every weekend with us at the Singleton Center,” said Antonio Garcia, associate professor of music and director of jazz studies.

Freshmen Bethlehem Amsal and Hiawkal Gizachew of the Ethiopian Student Union performed traditional Ethiopian dances such as the Eskesta and the Gourasana.

“You get to learn about other cultures and people,” Amsel said.

“The cultural performances is kind of what the festival is about,” said Gautam Modali, assistant marketing director of ICF. “We’re at the point now where we are almost getting it down to an art.”

Junior Krystle Simms, along with hundreds of others, sat in the lawn near the School of Business building enjoying the wide array of food from restaurants such as Elephant Thai, Famous Dave’s, Nile Ethiopian Restaurant and Caf