Fiery chili and African sculpture await residents and students at tomorrow's third annual Festival of Cultures.
Featuring ethnic music, food and entertainment, the free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Central Parklet behind the Fraser Street Post Office, 237 S. Fraser St., said Jim Steff, executive director of the Centre Region Council of Governments.
Festival-goers will be able to sample a variety of ethnic food provided by local restaurants, said Steff, the event's co-chairman.
A chicken wing contest will begin at 1 p.m., featuring wings from Cafe 210 West, 210 W. College Ave.; Stoney's Post House, 146 N. Atherton St.; Gingerbread Man, 130 Hiester St.; La Bamba, 1272 N. Atherton St.; Lion's Den, 118 S. Garner St.; Spats Cafe and Speakeasy, 142 E. College Ave., and Surf Club, 128 E. College Ave., Steff said.
And to spice up the event, the Native American Indian Student Association will sponsor a chili challenge, Steff said.
The music will kick off with the jazz band, Passport. The Little German Band will follow with Bavarian-style music. Earthtones, a local reggae band, will wrap up the festival.
The fesitval's organizers -- the University, COG and area residents -- hope to give the community a fun way to learn about different ethnic groups, said event co-chairman Tony Jones.
"We want to make the community aware of the diversity of cultures in the county," Steff said.
Although more than 800 people attended last year's festival, student turnout was "not as high as I would have liked," Jones said. But he said he expects more students to come this year because so many University organizations are involved.
Most of the groups participating in the event are affiliated with the University, Jones said. Most of the funding also comes from the University, he added.
"If it was not for the University, this could never happen," Jones said.
About 13 University ethnic organizations are participating in the festival, said Dee Frisque, booth committee chairwoman.
Crafts, jewelry and art from a variety of cultures, including African, Asian, European and Caribbean, will be exhibited, she said.
Also, seven fraternities and sororities from the National Pan-Hellenic Council will perform a step show, Jones said.
