For 37 years now, the Knox College International Fair has featured students from around the globe highlighting their culture, food, and arts. The “I-Fair” is the largest event of the year for Knox and for the International Club – which attracts around 1,000-2,000 visitors to campus. Through the International Club, international students on campus adapt to the new environment and provides the chance for them to get to know their American classmates and colleagues. The Booths Fair begins at 12:30 pm Saturday, February 3rd with free admission at the Ford Center for Fine Arts lobby. Rebecca Eckart, Associate Director for International Students Services tells WGIL it’s cultural exhibits organized by Knox students. “Representing different countries and cultures and clubs at Knox, each booth will have information about the club or country each student is representing and there will be a passport that everyone gets when they come in,” Eckart said. “(Visitors) can go and travel around the world and get their passport stamped.” The Flag Parade at the Center for Fine arts and Kresge Hall begins at 2:00 pm followed by the Food Fair at the Seymour Union from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Food booths includes cuisine from India, Bangladesh, China, Eastern Europe, Greece, Vietnam, Austria, Germany and more. Admission to the Food Fair is $10 – kids 3 and younger are free. Food Fair wristbands can be pre-purchased here.
Also this weekend, a classic musical takes the stage this weekend with Prairie Players Civic Theatre’s production of Cabaret. Based on a book by Joe Masteroff, Cabaret is set in early 1930s Berlin as the Nazi party is rising to power. The musical focuses on the seedy nightlife at the Kit Kat Klub and the story focuses around a young American, Cliff Bradshaw and his relationship with cabaret performer Sally Bowles. Director Larry Diemer says the play is administered by a character known as the “MC”. “I do appreciate the story telling,” said Ross McIntire who plays the MC. “I feel – that’s what the MC serves as. This play kind of the facilitator of your evening exploring these people’s lives in this brief moment. That in itself is kind of the reward – being able to scamper around stage and kind of…sing people the plot.” Deputing Friday, February 2nd at 7:30 pm, Cabaret will be shown Saturday, February 3rd at 7:30, Sunday, February 4th at 2:00pm, then February 9th, 10th, and 11th. The play does feature some adult language and content. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for students, and can be purchased online or by calling 343-7728. Prairie Players Civic Theatre is located at 160 South Seminary Street in Galesburg.
