East Central College in Union, Missouri, will host the Eleventh Annual International Festival Saturday, February 23.

The event is free and open to the public and will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.  The celebration includes music, dance, hands-on activities and food from around the globe. This family-oriented festival features arts and crafts projects for children, informational booths and education displays, and people in native costumes.

The entertainment line-up includes performances by the St. Louis Osuwa Taiko Drummers, Dance of India, Missouri River Cloggers, St. Louis Caledonian Pipe Band, Four Rivers Children's Chorale, Chinese musicians & dancers, a mariachi band and strolling musicians.

Children will be able to collect trading cards from people attired in native costumes, make their own musical instrument, have their name written in another language and complete the Missouri Child Identification and Protection program.  MoCHIP is sponsored by the Masonic Children's Foundation and is a comprehensive child recovery, identification and abduction awareness education program.  

Attendees will be able to purchase items in the International Market or food at the International Buffet.  Chef Ted Hirschi and students in ECC's culinary arts program will prepare Cuban, Malaysian, Iranian and Romanian cuisine.  Food that appeals to youngsters will also be available.

 For information regarding the International Festival, call ECC at 636-583-5195, Ext. 2275.

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