By: Joshua Robles, A&E Editor
The fifth annual Cultural Extravaganza hosted by Newman’s Multicultural Leadership Organization will take place this weekend and will include food, cultural performances, prizes and more.
The extravaganza will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday on Founders Plaza and in Gorges Atrium. The event will include a buffet with different foods as well as booths from local businesses. Music and dance performances will showcase different cultures. There will also be raffles to win prizes and gift cards. The performances are by Filipino singer Pat Bautista, Wichita State University’s Kversity, Folclorico group Raices de Mi Tierra, and more.
The event is run by students in MCLO, partially financed by the Student Government Association and sponsored by several local businesses. It’s intended to showcase the diversity and different cultures not only at Newman but also around the local area.
MCLO uses its club principles to put the cultural extravaganza together, said senior Carolina Mariscal, who is the group’s president.
“Our three core values of MCLO are cultural awareness, leadership, and unity, and we try to bring all those values into this one big event by showing off different cultures through music and dance, food, and booths from local businesses,” Mariscal said.
Mariscal said that the festival has been one of her favorite events at Newman and that it was what opened the door for her to join MCLO.
“I went my freshman year to the event and just watched it, and I thought it was really showing the representation of Newman, and that’s when I knew that I wanted to join MCLO,” she said. “It’s a good representation of culture here at Newman, and I’m glad to continue being a part of it.”
Junior Michelle Tong, vice president of MCLO, said she is most looking forward to the food and performances.
“This year, I’m most excited for some pupusas donated from San Salvador, a family business of one of our own Newman students, and getting to use the photo booth,” Tong said.
MCLO needs volunteers to help set up on Saturday morning. Those interested can sign up by scanning the QR code on one of the many flyers posted around campus. Set up will start at 8:30 a.m. and volunteers are also needed to help during the event and during tear down at 4 p.m.
Both Tong and Mariscal said they hope everyone will attend.
“Come enjoy a day outside, eat good food, watch a fun show, and support local businesses,” Tong said.
It’s an all-ages event, and anyone can attend, not just Newman students, Mariscal said.
“You can invite your siblings, cousins and uncles,” she said. “There’s something for everybody.”
Admission for Newman students with IDs is $5. It’s $8 for ages 11 and up, $3 for ages 2-10 and free for children under 2.
Photo: Courtesy photo, University Relations
