Lipscomb presents second annual International Food Fest as part of WOW WEEK 2016

Lacey Klotz | 

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With a diverse community of nearly 4,500 students representing 43 states, 45 nations and 32 religions, Lipscomb University provides opportunities for students to learn, embrace and appreciate the different countries and cultures that make the individuals at Lipscomb so special. 

As a part of Lipscomb’s Welcome to our World (WOW) Week 2016, Lipscomb presents its second annual International Food Fest featuring 11 food trucks offering international cuisine, on Thursday, April 7, from 12-3 p.m.

Lipscomb’s Office of Intercultural Development, Office of International Student Services and the Student Government Association invite the public to this event featuring multicultural food and performances.

“Food Fest gives the community an opportunity to share in cultural exchange and celebrate diversity through food, dance and fashion,” said Sylvia Bearden Braden, coordinator for international student services.

Through a partnership with the Nashville Food Truck Association, Food Fest will feature local food trucks that provide a variety of international cuisine and that also represent the different cultures on Lipscomb’s campus including:

  • Blue Monkey Shaved Ice
  • King Tut
  • Confeastador
  • Itty Bitty 
  • Bao Down
  • Music City Rice & Roll
  • Riddim N Spice
  • Alittle Italian 
  • Electric Sliders
  • Banh Mi & Roll
  • Taste of Nature

Food trucks will line Lipscomb’s Allen Arena Mall, and although the prices for each truck my vary, Braden recommends attendees come in large groups and each buy one item from a different food truck to share picnic-style with friends at the event.

“There is something beautiful about seeing different cultures coming together in one place,” said Braden. “One of my favorite aspects of the event is seeing our international students find a food truck that serves their native food and seeing the joy they have knowing they have a piece of their home in Nashville.”

Aside from the community having the opportunity to experience diverse cuisine, they will also witness several multicultural performances.

Michael and Nicki Jacobs, a local couple who are both of Cherokee descent, are scheduled to perform. Michael is set to sing, while Nicki performs a native Cherokee dance. There will also be a group of three Lipscomb students that will perform an Indian dance.

“Although it is significant to rejoice in the unity we have here at Lipscomb, we also want to celebrate the differences that make each individual beautiful and unique,” said Braden.

Food Fest is free and open to the public. Local colleges and universities as well as cultural groups in Nashville are also invited to attend.

WOW Week, sponsored by Lipscomb’s Office of Intercultural Development, is a week of events celebrating the many cultures on the Lipscomb campus as well as in the greater Nashville community.

WOW WEEK 2016 includes:

Monday, April 4:  

  • World Buffet in Bison Café—Come and enjoy foods from around the world!

Tuesday, April 5:  

  • Kurdish Ambassador Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman will speak on "The Fight with ISIS and the Refugee Crisis" at 6 p.m. in Stowe Hall located in the Swang Business Center. A reception will begin at 5:30 pm. This event is sponsored by Lipscomb University and is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, April 6:  

  • In conjunction with Lipscomb's Service Day, the WOW team is sponsoring opportunities to serve with intercultural organizations such as The Branch of Nashville, Restore Ministries, LambsCroft and Safe Haven.
  • The annual Intercultural Fashion Show will begin at 7 p.m. in the Flatt Amphitheater, located outside of the Bennett Campus Center. Students will model authentic fashions from around the globe as well as provide entertainment at intermission.  

Thursday, April 7:  

  • MASK (Multicultural Awareness Skills and Knowledge) breakout chapel in Ward Hall. Steele will interview a panel of Lipscomb intercultural students and will discuss different traditions in family, marriage, aging and other issues. Students within the panel represent many countries including Somalia, Egypt, India, Mexico, Venezuela and the U.S.
  • The third annual Food Fest event will kick-off in front of Allen Arena at noon. Food trucks with foods from many different countries will be present for students, faculty and staff, as well as the greater Nashville community to purchase food. During the Food Fest there will be Native American singing and dancing, Indian dance, and other cultural entertainment.  
  • That evening from 4-5:30 p.m. anyone can go to the Student Activities Center and learn the Indian Dance with a Salsa instructor immediately following.

Friday, April 8:  

  • Sweet Treats will be served in Bennett Campus Center and will feature several desserts from around the globe that students can take for free!  Baklava, flan and Arroz con Leche are just a few of the 500 desserts that will be available.

“Our goal is to help create awareness of these cultures and to build stronger cultural bridges on our campus,” said Lisa Steele, director of intercultural development. “With one in 10 Nashvillians born outside of the U.S., our community is changing!  Our students are part of a global experience here at Lipscomb and in Nashville. We want them to explore these cultures and to become culturally competent, global citizens.”