South Dakota Mines’ annual cultural expo features food an entertainment
from around the world.
South Dakota Mines students, faculty and staff will
join a variety of community groups to celebrate cultures from around the world with
food, entertainment and displays during the annual South Dakota Mines Cultural Expo.
International students at Mines have been sharing their cultures with the
community with an annual event for 60 years.
The first iteration of today’s Cultural Expo
occurred on campus in 1963. The “International Expo” was recorded in Mines
yearbook as follows: “Many persons attended the event, which included a potluck
supper and a program of international entertainment, in addition to numerous international
displays of arts and handcraft from foreign countries.”
This year’s Cultural Expo includes a two-day
showcase:
On Thursday, March 30, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. the Surbeck
Center ballroom opens to visiting K-12 schools who wish to attend. School
children from throughout the Black Hills region will engage in hands-on educational
exercises and displays. Watch this video for more information on the
different activities.
On Saturday, April 1, the Cultural Expo opens to the
general public, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Surbeck Ballroom. The ever-popular event
includes international food sampling prepared by students and community groups.
There is an $10 charge for sampling of ethnic foods, which starts at 11:00 a.m.
on Saturday only. Entertainment features a variety of traditional music and
dancing from a wide range of cultures.
Mines’ Cultural Expo is sponsored by international
students, faculty and staff, the Student Association and the Ivanhoe
International Center at South Dakota Mines along with International Students
Inc., Black Hills Energy, Coca-Cola and more.