Marshfield Area Cultural Fair Encourages Kindness
Everyone needs a little more kindness in their lives. This year, the Cultural Fair is trying to help spread the kindness in our community.
Cultural Fair President Julie Tharp said, “We have a feature room that has in the past focused on specific ethnic groups, like Asian Indians, Chinese, and Mexicans, but this year it is focusing on how to be a good neighbor and promote kindness in our communities.”
Many would agree that the current political climate is a bit contentious. While that wasn’t necessarily the motivation for the focus on kindness, it underlines its importance for this year.
“We planned our feature room focus on kindness even before the current political climate developed, but now it’s even more important to give people some social skills and tools to make positive change as well as to remind them that America is a wonderful country because of its diversity,” she said.
The focus on kindness and understanding is a natural extension for the event, which began in 2002 as a project for a social justice group.
“The event features performers from various cultures, foods from around the world, and exhibitors eager to share their love of culture with others—two stages, food court and exhibitor area,” Tharp said.
Tharp believes it is vital for our community to learn about and appreciate all cultures.
“It’s important because it helps people to connect with their own cultural heritage and to celebrate the many cultures that make their way to Central Wisconsin. We can meet our neighbors and learn something about what makes them special,” she said.
While the focus of the event is to learn and experience other cultures, it is also just a day full of fun events and great food.
“I am always excited about the fair. I love the energy of all the performers and exhibitors, the excitement of the children, the friendships renewed and reinforced, the lively music, and the great food. It’s a terrific day,” Tharp said.
She loves to see so many in the community getting together and just having a great time.
“My favorite part is seeing so many people interacting with one another, smiling, talking, hugging and laughing,” she said.
Cultural Fair 2017
When: February 25
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: UW-Marshfield/Wood County, 2000 W. 5th Street
Cost: Free (Although donations are welcome so the event can continue for future years)
Schedule for the Cultural Fair
Children’s Area:
10.00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Children’s Crafts
10:30 a.m.
Storytelling
11:30 a.m.
Christ Lutheran Church Puppeteers
12:30 p.m.
Storytelling
1:30 p.m.
Christ Lutheran Church Puppeteers
2:30 p.m.
Storytelling
Entertainment:
10- 10:50 a.m.: In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater (Stage 2)
11- 11:50 a.m.: In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater (Stage 1), Janelle’s School of Irish Dance (Stage 2)
12-12:50 p.m.: Prazna Flasa Balkan Music (Stage 2)
1-1:50mp.m.: Ki Nagare Dojo, LLC Martial Arts Demonstrations (Stage 1), Shama Inc (Stage 2)
2-2:50 p.m.: Country Line Dancing (Stage 1), Main Street Conservatory of Dance (Stage 2)
3-3:50 p.m. Open Mic (Stage 1), Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association LLC (Stage 2)
Food:
• China Chef
• German/Polish Cuisine from Vintage House
• Hisso Sushi
• Indian Cuisine from Marshfield Clinic
• Jamaican Kitchens
• Lammar’s Barbecue
• Sabor Columbiano
• Slice of Heaven
• Taqueria El Sol
Exhibitors:
• Central Wisconsin Literacy Council
• Children’s House of Montessori
• Czech Communications
• Everett Roehl Marshfield Library
• First Presbyterian Church
• Historic Preservation Committee
• Jehovah’s Witness
• Jewish Community of Central Wisconsin
• Kawsay Native Crafts and Music
• Family History Center – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
• Lions Club International/Youth Exchange
• Marshfield Area Friends of the Trails
• Marshfield Area Genealogy Group
• Marshfield Chinese Community Group
• Marshfield International Student Exchange Program
• Ministry Home Care Hospice
• NeedlePoint Hmong Motif, LLC
• North Wood County Historical Society
• Saint A
• Shama Inc
• Shuvani – Tiata Saegert
• Slovak American Touches
• Sons of Norway
• Threads of Hope
