Lewisburg, Pa. — To celebrate the diverse cultures that enrich the Lewisburg community, Bucknell and the Downtown Partnership will host their first Community International Festival. The occasion is set to take place on Saturday, Sept.
21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.
m. at Vedder Hall (St. George Street Side), South 6th Street & Hufnagle Park.
The festival coincides with Bucknell's Family Weekend, giving students and their families an exciting off-campus event to participate in. The scheduling and partnership with Bucknell were strategic choices meant to foster better relationships between the town and the university. International student groups are also a major part of the festivities.
The Community International Festival will feature an array of community groups, international student organizations, and global food vendors, alongside performances by musicians and artists representing the diverse cultures residing in our region. State College’s own Eric Ian Farmer and Friends will perform at the new Hufnagle Park Pavilion at 12:30 p.m.
"Diversity is the cornerstone of vibrant communities and thriving economies,” says Lewisburg Mayor Kendy Alvarez. “This festival not only celebrates our cultural richness but also underscores the vital role that inclusive practices play in driving sustainable growth and fostering innovation. By embracing diversity, we build stronger, more resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.
" A schedule of events is listed below. Morning events behind Vedder Hall 10 a.m.
: A welcome speech from Kendy Alvarez, mayor of Lewisburg, and Dr. Wendy Sternberg, provost of Bucknell University 10:15 a.m.
: Student performances including dance, music, and theatrical shows. 11:30 a.m.
: Parade of flags starting from St. George St., moving down 6th St.
past the food trucks to Hufnagle Park. 11:45 a.m.
: Food trucks will begin serving food. Bucknell students will receive tickets that can be exchanged for food at the trucks. Afternoon events at Hufnagle Park Noon through 3 p.
m. : Community organizations will run information booths and vendors will sell wares. 12:30 p.
m. : Performances in the park's stage area by student groups, a student DJ, and a professional band. 2 p.
m. : Last stage performance of the event. 3 p.
m. : The festival winds down and cleanup starts. In addition to improving relations between Lewisburg and Bucknell and improving cultural relations throughout Lewisburg, the festival also aims to highlight the diverse, welcoming, and inclusive nature of the community and attract long-term residents.
“We are thrilled to be part of the community’s first international festival and celebrate the many international students whose diverse perspectives greatly enrich our community. This festival offers a unique opportunity for our residents to experience a ‘trip around the world’ right here in rural Pennsylvania. Moreover, it highlights the vital role our residents play in enhancing the educational endeavors of these students through cultural exchange and open dialogue.
This will also strengthen town gown bonds by promoting mutual understanding and provide a stage to showcase our town's welcoming and inclusive spirit. My hope is that there's a strong showing, and entire families come downtown to share in this variety of cultural experiences..
. all with none of the jetlag!” commented Jamie Grobes, Lewisburg Borough Council. The festival is made possible by the generous support of the Degenstein Foundation, Wellspan Evangelical Community Hospital, Open Discourse Coalition, Lewisburg Downtown Partnership, and these divisions within Bucknell University: the Office of the Provost, the Division of Equity and Inclusive Excellence, and the newly formed Center for Community Engaged Leadership, Learning and Research.
Community partners such as Lewisburg Borough, Lewisburg Neighborhoods, Lewisburg Children’s Museum, CommUnity Zone, and Susquehanna University have also played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life..
