The Parade of Nations 2006 theme is “Crossing Cultural Bridges.” The celebration continues after the parade with a festival of food, merchandise, ethnic music, and dance performances. September Favorite: Parade of Nations
After celebrating the Keweenaw last Friday, Michigan Tech and our surrounding communities are gearing up for a celebration yet again. This Saturday, September 16, is when the annual Parade of Nations will take place. The Parade of Nations and cultural festival are celebrations of diversity within our community.
The Parade of Nations will take place starting at 11 a.m. The parade is a great event to see, as it showcases people in their traditional dress from countries all over the world. The parade also features the Michigan Tech Pep Band, along with local marching bands and entertainers. The parade starts across the bridge in Hancock, and continues through to downtown Houghton, and concludes at the Dee Stadium where the International Ethnic Food Festival is held.
Every year, students from more than 80 countries participate in the Parade of Nations. Whether your student is a first-year student or a returning student, it’s still not too late for them to get involved! They can contact the department of International Programs & Services by emailing them at ips@mtu.edu. Students can participate in the Parade of Nations by walking in the parade, building a float for the parade, making food or providing entertainment for the food festival, or by just watching the parade and sampling ethnic foods and traditions at The Dee!
If your student wants to participate by either building a float, selling food, or putting on a performance, they can find more information and application forms by going to: http://www.ips.mtu.edu/Current/paradeofnations.php.
The Parade of Nations is always one of my favorite September events. It’s a great time to be outdoors, to see a great parade and performances, and to sample some amazing food. Michigan Tech students, faculty, staff, and community members are all welcome to attend the Parade of Nations events, so a small crowd is never anticipated. If you have time to visit Houghton this coming weekend, I would highly recommend the quick trip!
To view past photos of the parade and food festival, please visit: http://www.ips.mtu.edu/gallery/Parade%20of%20Nations%202005/index.htm.
- Until next week,
