Patrons wanting to visit exotic international venues such as Europe and Egypt got their travel desires met while still staying close to home during Riverview Elementary School’s fifth annual International Fair, which was held on March 16.
Patrons wanting to visit exotic international venues such as Europe and Egypt got their travel desires met while still staying close to home during Riverview Elementary School’s fifth annual International Fair, which was held on March 16.
All ages were represented, with attendance estimated to be in the hundreds. Patrons enjoyed student presentations such as ethnic dances, designated areas for making ethnic crafts, international foods, vendors, and even bounce houses and slides for the kids. Among the countries represented were Taiwan, Egypt, Germany, Mexico and Japan.
“Every year we see a growth in the annual event’s attendance by nearly 500 attendees,” said Keri Wutzke, a volunteer in charge of the silent auction.
Lakeside Union School District Superintendent Dr. David Lorden welcomed the attendees and noted that it is an event “that highlights the talents of the school’s kids.”
The students’ performances included their own interpretation of “Dancing with the Stars” moves, as well as international dances taught to them by their teachers. Students from various grade levels were represented.
Of note was an international dance craze song “Gangnam Style” by Psy, which was performed by the children as they exited the stage. This followed their class presentations of a particular nation’s folkdances. “Gangnam Style” was also presented during the students’ South Korean ethnic dances.
Chairwoman and fair director Venus Rodvold explained that people travel from all over to attend this annual event. With a theme of “Everyone Smiles In The Same Language,” which was selected by Rodvold and her committee, it’s not difficult to see why it’s not only Lakeside residents who attend this warm, welcoming fair.
Dr. Lorden stated that “there is something for everyone” at the international fair. As for the cuisine, he explained that the Hawaiian nachos were among the fair’s offerings he had sampled. Attendees also seemed to enjoy such international delicacies as Vietnamese egg rolls, pork lumpia, bratwurst and Jamaican jerk meats.
Rodvold said that since the world is now such a “global community,” she hopes the children’s exposure to other cultures will help them adapt to diversity.
Considering Riverview participates in a Spanish and Mandarin international immersion program, the fair reflects the goal of the program to prepare its students for a global community.
To illustrate, Rodvold explained that what the children learn about other countries through the fair could later enhance their adult lives. For example, it better prepares them to travel, enlist in the military or merely travel in their imaginations.
Silent auction items ranged from gifts/certificates from venues such as Taylor Guitars, Eastbound Bar & Tavern, Café 67 and Balboa Park museums.
Rodvold noted that the money raised at the festival would benefit the school’s programs. Participating vendors included Allstate Insurance agent Levy Feiler, who was combining business with his duty as a father who has two daughters who attend the school. Another parent, Jennifer Cirar, expressed that she liked the layout of the fair when stating, “Everything is very well-placed.”
Well-placed as well were booths for making Arabian bookmarks, origami representing Japan and detailed painted pictures signifying Guatemala.
Students ranging from grades K through fifth, were given an opportunity to show off their artistic sides. Of course this was caught on camera by proud parents. Kodak moments included kids on the dance stage adorned in ethnic costumes all proudly displaying their newly obtained international knowledge and talents.
