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 Multicultural fest brings the world downtownIvy Tech was a sponsor of the Multicultural fest held at the City’s Showers Plaza yesterday (9/23/07).Ivy Tech has been a sponsor of the Multicultural fest since it launched four years ago. By Brady Gillihan 349-1420 | bgillihan@heraldt.com From African food to Hawaiian dances, City Hall’s Showers Plaza was a showcase of diversity from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday as it hosted the Bloomington Multicultural Festival. A steady flow of spectators moved through the festival, sampling the foreign fare, listening to the eclectic music and trying their hands at the interactive activities at more than 25 booths. Three kilt-clad men were manning the booth for the Scottish Society of Greater Bloomington. All three promised they were wearing underwear beneath their plaid kilts — unlike the Scottish Army, on which they had books and pamphlets available. “We want to offer Scottish information to anybody who has Scottish heritage. Or not. Really, the society and the booth is for anybody who wants to learn more about the Scottish way of life,” said Richard Darling, who had help with the booth from his father, Glen, and his son, Gregory. Across the plaza from the trio was a buffet of food from Germany, Africa, Italy and Asia. It was catered by Smokin’ Jack’s Rib Shack right here in Bloomington, but the tastes were authentic, according to Charli Tennison, who was enjoying a late lunch. “I lived in Germany three years,” she said. “The sauerkraut takes me back.” She said her daughter, Clara, 5, was enjoying the various crafts from the different booths. “I like that she can see so much diversity now, and not wait until she goes off to college. I intend for her to take it all in stride. I grew up without much exposure to any other way of life than what was in our small town. So I take her out to any of these I can.” Mayor Mark Kruzan, who was on hand enjoying the festive environment, said the multicultural party was typical Bloomington. “In every direction, Bloomington is a microcosm of the world. It’s why people choose to live here. And it’s another reason Bloomington isn’t just ‘someplace else.’”
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