Jenny Knickerbocker
News Reporter

The Cultural Diversity Board held its annual four-day Unity Fest last week. This year, several different clubs and organizations participated in the event.
Wednesday was the first day of Unity Fest, “Unity Through Games.” Students played on bump and jumps, Black Student Alliance’s (BSA) African American Jeopardy, Native American Student Council’s (NASC) Black Jack Casino, International Student Association Sumo Wrestlers, and La Raza Maraca decorating. The Seattle-based band Eclectic Approach also rocked the stage that evening.
There were 18 tables set up in a circle for students to exchange information. Participating organizations included Gay Straight Alliance, Program Activities Council (PAC), NASC. There was information about careers, nutrition and exercise, sexual health, DUI’s, health resources in the community and Behavioral Clinical Services.
Thursday, “Unity Through Arts and Crafts,” offered products for sale from the Art Club. A booth sponsored by Black Student Alliance offered Bellatrix hair braiding. There was a fry bread demo by NASC, ISA Himalayan healers massages, a La Raza burrito eating contest, Ho’olokahi Ti-leaf lei making, and a dance performance by GSA’s Greg Morgan.
A popular event was the burrito-eating contest sponsored by Qdoba. Teams of two lined up and ate burritos as fast as they could for prizes. There were also booths set up for Japanese writing, where students could write their names in Japanese. Ti leaf bracelets were being made and handed out by the Polynesian club and NASC put up a teepee for students to go inside. They were also giving out handmade jewelry.
Friday was Unity Through Words where they had NASC Tim Trujillo, Native American singer, La Raza Aztec Cumbia Dancer, BSA Poetry Slam, ISA Tango Dancers, and Words with a Pulse.
The last day, Saturday, was headlined “Unity Through Dance.” The Cultural Diversity Board wrapped up Unity Fest with its annual Ho’olokahi Luau, and the annual Drag Show that night.
“We saw more students on Wednesday rather than Thursday because of how many tables and activities we had going,” said Lisa Harms, the communication manager for the Cultural Diversity Board. “This is one of the biggest ways we show our cultures to the students, and perhaps give them a way to meet other people like them, such as race, sexuality, and even what students like to do in their free time.”
“I had a great time Wednesday; there were so many different things to see and learn about,” said Gilberto Ramirez, senior spanish literature major. “I think Unity Fest is a great idea for students to learn about different cultures and see what they have to offer.”
“For me setting up Unity Fest was a big learning experience, not only for me but for all the club members as well,” said Harms.
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jknicker@mesastate.edu