CULTURE FAIR — Buckeye Local High School students donned Egyptian attire and served up facts and foods during the 19th-annual International Culture Fair. Hundreds of people turned out to learn about architecture, culture and cuisine of nearly 40 countries. Proceeds benefited the Foreign Language Club. Students participating included from left, Samantha Ankrom, Brynn McKeever and Elizabeth Stock. -- Contributed

CONNORVILLE — A trip around the world in a matter of minutes took place during the 19th-annual International Culture Fair held at Buckeye Local High School on Feb. 22.

Hundreds of community residents enjoyed the sights, sounds and tastes of nearly 40 countries, ranging from the Americas to Europe and beyond. Co-advisers Bonnie Soos and Savana Granat commented this year’s theme was “Preserving the Past,” highlighting the history and architecture of each country.

“We had displays, food and landmarks from every country,” Soos stated. “This year, we let the public vote for their favorite display, favorite food and favorite structure.”

“The seniors loved the historical aspect,” Granat added. “They wanted to focus on the architecture.”

Guests purchased tickets for 25 cents apiece, which let them take part in a food tasting, concessions and a 50-50 drawing. The proceeds raised went to benefit the Foreign Language Club. The money will be used for field trips and cultural experiences.

Soos explained each fair that has been held has been a success. “It’s all about bringing the community into the school,” she said. “It’s a great community event.” She and Granat praised students for the hard work they did on the exhibits and their performances. “I’m very proud of them, especially their work on the structures,” Granat noted.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” Soos said. “I think they’ve done an excellent job.”

Attendees had the opportunity to view many handmade models, including Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa, Switzerland’s Matterhorn, England’s Stonehenge and Colombia’s Puente De Boyaca bridge.

Guests checked out detailed displays from the United States to Uruguay, Argentina to Australia and Germany to Romania. They sampled delights such as Rasta Pasta from Jamaica, spice cake from Turks and Caicos, dalgona coffee from South Korea, petit fours from France and Papitas de Leche from Venezuela.

Theater performances featured Spanglish, Hebrew, Spanish, Scottish and French songs, a violin solo, tango, Laendler or Austrian, Indian, Chinese Fan and Filipino folk dances, as well as a Parade of Nations. Accordionist Dave Milovac and children’s activities completed the evening.

Many of the students wore costumes that represented the country they had chosen. Some commented they had learned a lot as they prepared for the evening’s festivities.

Juniors Alexis Burress and Arielle Orban represented Japan. The girls featured details about its geography and history and prepared Ramen noodles and different flavored rice cakes for people to try. “It’s a really good thing to do,” Burress replied when asked her thoughts about participating in the fair.

Orban responded not only did they spotlight the importance of the cherry blossom tree, they gained interest in the country’s artwork. “I think the most interesting one is ‘The Wave of Kangawa’ painting,” Orban stated. “My favorite part of Japan is the art.”

Freshman Chastity Stewart chose Costa Rica for her project. She highlighted historical and other facts from the country and served banana bread, a meat and vegetable dish called Picadillo de Papa and a chimichurri sauce.

“I was interested and wanted to learn more about it,” Stewart said of the country.

Sydney Snyder, a junior who selected Italy as her country, provided pasta, tiramisu and Italian cream soda to the public. “I thought it would be really fun,” she said of her choice. It was all Greek to seniors Raygan Lengyel and Jasmine Yohe. Choosing the Mediterranean country as their topic, the duo promoted its culture and cuisine, with items including baklava, tzatziki sauce and pita chips.

Yohe stated, “Greece has such an amazing background.” To which Lengyel added, “We also love the Greek mythology.”