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NOVEMBER 29, 2005

THE CADRE ¢ 16

The World Is Coming to Charlottetown: Culturama Takes Place Dec. 2 at Basilica Recreation Centre

Kimberley Johnston | A&E Editor

With Internet, it’s getting easier to have the world at your fingertips, but isn’t it better to appreciate it in person?

This is the reasoning behind Culturama, a festival happening December 2 at the Basilica Recreation Centre which will bring the world to Charlottetown residents. Jaclyn DesRoches, one of the organizers of the event, says it’s an opportunity to celebrate the varied cultures that exist on our tiny, little island.

“Culturama is an event that hopes to showcase the many different cultures of the world that exist on PEI,” she explained. “This event started in 2000 and has been getting more successful each year. It showcases a variety of cultures through song, dance and food and is sure to impress all who attend. This year we are really excited to have six different food vendors and eight different performances from cultures all around the world.”

Culturama attendees can expect a veritable smorgasbord of culinary delights ranging from India, Lebanon, Mexico and more.

DesRoches said that it is increasingly important for such a small place to celebrate the diversity that exists there, because sometimes it is not that easy to find; even Islanders sometimes forget to celebrate their own uniqueness. She added events like this are a great opportunity to learn about other cultures while becoming more aware of our own.

“I think it is especially important to celebrate diversity on PEI. Many people do not even realize how

many different cultures exist on PEI and we often do not even celebrate our own! This is a great way to change that. Islanders in general are a small close knit community and this event is an excellent opportunity to get to know more people in your community and expand your knowledge of the world.”

So what can people expect to see and do?

“People can expect to have a great time! Delicious food, happy people, and great music are all part of the equation. This event is sure to satisfy all of your senses as you will experience something from each comer of the globe and have the opportunity to dance the night away!”

Sounds good, no? But what about those people who would rather be a part of the action?

“This event is sponsored by five main groups; WUSC, CUSO, Association of Newcomers to PEI, Canada World Youth and OXFAM. We are all working hard to make it happen, but we greatly value the help of volunteers. We would love to have students from the university get involved in this event. If you are interested in

volunteering or have any questions email Jaclyn DesRoches@hotmail.com.”

Who else will be participating, you ask?

“There is always a variety of performers and food vendors to showcase the diversity of the world! Kerri Wynne MacLeod and Kirk MacKinnon from 720 CHTN Radio station will be hosting the event that kicks offat 7pm and at 10 pma DJ will begin playing popular music from around the world so put on your dancing shoes! Don’t miss enthusiastic performances by Canada World Youth Participants, enchanting African song and entertaining Cuban dance.”

Participants can even dress up as well; a prize will be awarded to the most exotically dressed person.

If you attended the event last year; don’t expect the same things. People who attend the event this year, can also expect something different next year explained DesRoches; it’s the wonder of diversity.

“This event is different every year and that’s why it is so great.”

Culturama will be held on December 2nd 2005 starting at 7pm and running until 1 am at the Basilica Recreation Centre on Richmond St. Events include food sales, a concert starting at 8 p.m., and a dance that goes from 10p.m. until 1 a.m. All ages are

welcome; tickets are $8 in advance and_

$10 at the door, children 12 and under are free! Tickets can be bought at the UPEI Bookstore, Timothy’s Coffee, and The Book Emporium.

Did You Know...

there is good news when it comes to test anxiety. It’s not a genetic condition and you no longer have to be a victim to test anxiety. It’s simply a learned behavior to a stressful situation and you ~ can unlearn it!! Our expectations are one of the most powerful influences on our behavior. When we expect to freeze up on a test we invariably do. So we have to change our thinking to a more positive approach, telling ourselves we are prepared for these exams and think of the exams as an opportunity to show what you’ve learned. If you concentrate on how important the test is you take

away your focus from your real

purpose. Remember a test is not an evaluation of you as a person, so take some deep breaths, relax and put your best foot forward. Best of luck with the upcoming exams and have a great holiday season from the staff of Student Services!!

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