McConnell Travels world with fair

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Lockoski
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Where in Kansas can East meet West within a five step distance?

No travel luggage was required at the McConnell International Fair Sept 29. It was hosted by the Airmen and Family Readiness Center and School Age program.

The Youth center recreation room was overflowing with the sounds of pacifying Hawaiian melodies, smells of exotic spices, flavors to accompany the rich smells, and adorned with sights from around the world.

The fair was held to introduce different cultures to youths to provide a better understanding of diversities and cultures in different parts of the world.

"I believe educating children at an early age to recognize and understand, not just the differences, but also the similarities among the different cultures will help them better relate to people and have a deeper appreciation and understanding of diversity," said Michlene Tucker, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Equal Opportunity office.

McConnell youths arrived at the fair and received a passport that enabled them to visit "countries" in Europe, Asia, and North America. Their passports served as a scavenger hunt guide that asked questions about items found in the country displays and inquired the participants to ask about traditions, languages and customs on the country.

"It was a great event," said Rebecca Schlect, AFRC staff member. "This is the second year we held an international fair and had more participants than last year."

Nine countries were represented in this years fair. About 200 travelers attended the event throughout the afternoon tasting authentic foods from foreign lands such as the Philippine Islands, Korea, Germany and England.

As authentic as the food and drinks were, some exhibit participants made the event more genuine by offering their unique experiences of living in and being natives of the counties they represent.

"I enjoyed how people had many questions to ask about Belgium, and I was happy to explain the customs and specialties of my country, said Audrey Quoitin, who visits America as an international exchange student.

Her host family to include Mary Reese, AFRC staff member, spent the morning with Audrey preparing crepes for the fair.

Audrey informed the youths that French fries did not come from France, they actually originated in Belgium.

Participants were also able to see clothing, instruments and statuettes as well as listen to language audios from some the displays.

"I love the opportunity to share my cultural heritage with anyone, especially the younger generation," said Ms. Tucker. "It's interesting to see their reaction when you talk about your culture. If it's not communicated to the next generation, then all that knowledge will one day be lost. It is one thing to read about one's heritage in a book, but to hear it from one who embraces their culture makes it truly an unforgettable experience," she said.

Once all of the questions were answered from the scavenger hunt, participants traveled their way back to the United States where they received a souvenir.

With all of the positive feedback from the event, the AFRC hopes to see even more participation next year.