Buckeye Local Culture Fair on Thursday is ‘Repainting the Past’

CONNORVILLE -- Heritage will be on display Thursday as the Buckeye Local High School Foreign Language Club hosts its 17th-annual International Culture Fair.

The popular food tasting and displays will make a return, but artwork will take center stage under the theme "Repainting the Past: Art History Around the World." Thirty-one countries from the Americas through Europe and beyond will be represented in the school commons from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Live music and theatrical performances also are set, and organizers will pay tribute to the late Rick Pastre, an accordionist who has supported events for many years.

Admission is free, but tickets will be sold for 25 cents each to sample tasty delights from across the globe.

Organized by club members, the fair is open to the public for the first time since COVID-19 affected plans. Last year, the group filmed their presentations and uploaded them onto the school YouTube channel for people to view.

Co-President Brooklyn Lengyel, who shares duties with Hester Lambright, said this year's festivities are relatively back to normal but will still follow health protocols.

"We are doing an art exhibit this year, which we've never done before," Lengyel explained. "My co-president had suggested an architectural theme, and we thought of art and architecture. Everyone latched on to the art (aspect), so we went with that."

"It's going to be a museum," added Elizabeth Stock, club secretary.

Teams researched popular artists and styles from their selected country and will exhibit them in an art gallery format, plus they will offer samples of their country's foods and details about the culture. Countries on hand will include the United States, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, United Kingdom, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, Greece, Russia, China, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan and Australia.

In addition, there will be children's activities with a "stamped passport" to visit each location and a 50-50 drawing. Part one of the event will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the commons while the second portion will be held in the theater from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. with performances of Latin dances such as the Cha Cha, Tarantella and Cumbia, Spanish music such as "Perdon" and "El Mismo Sol," a Hebrew song by the high school choir and a violin solo in the program.

Club members will conduct a Parade of Nations and announce awards, the 50-50 winner and participants.

Teacher Bonnie Soos, who co-advises the group with fellow educator Savana Granat, said the fair usually depicts 25 to 30 countries, but this was the largest yet with 31 sites on display. She cited the fact that more freshmen have gotten involved during the past three years with their projects.

"I'm very excited (about the open event)," Lengyel said. "There were a lot of challenges but it's great."

"It's a great way for the community to come together," added Co-Vice President Emily McDiffitt, who holds the title with Kirsten Faulkner.

"I love the different cultures," added Maggie Sabo, who serves as co-treasurer along with Elionnah Hill.